Thread: Philippines, US, Australia and Japan to hold naval drills in the South China Sea

The Philippines, the United States, Australia and Japan will hold a joint naval and air exercise in the South China Sea on Sunday, amid growing tensions fueled by China’s ongoing aggressive conduct in waters internationally recognized as Manila’s territory.


In a joint statement released Saturday, the four nations’ defense chiefs said the “Maritime Cooperative Activity” would take place inside the Philippines’ 200-mile exclusive economic zone and adhere to international conventions on the right of freedom of sea and air navigation.


“Demonstrating our collective commitment to strengthen regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific, our combined defense/armed forces will conduct a Maritime Cooperative Activity within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone,” it said.


The maneuvers, to be joined by the USS Mobile, Japan’s JS Akebono and Australia’s HMAS Warramunga, come on the heels of China’s recent harassment of Filipino boats delivering supplies to troops stationed at Second Thomas Shoal, locally known as Ayungin Shoal.


The drills were part of “building our country’s capacity for individual and collective self-defense,” Filipino defense chief Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said.


His Japanese counterpart, Kihara Minoru, said the drills were aimed at securing a peaceful region. “Japan believes that the issue concerning the South China Sea is directly related to the peace and stability of the region and is a legitimate concern of the international community,” Minoru said.


Tokyo also “opposes any unilateral changes to the status quo by force,” he said.


The five-ship multinational fleet will sail together from south to north in an exercise "designed to enhance the participating forces' ability to work together effectively in maritime scenarios,” Filipino defense department spokesman Arsenio Andolong said.


Philippine vessels the BRP Gregorio del Pilar and the BRP Ramon Alcaraz will join the other three in communication exercises, division tactics and watch maneuver drills, he said.


The activity "should not" increase the tension with China in the West Philippine Sea, but "we expect China to malign the exercise as they always do," Andolong said.


China had no immediate comments on the drills when contacted by Manila-based reporters on Saturday.


The joint operations are taking place ahead of a first-ever U.S.-Japan-Philippines leaders’ summit at the White House on April 11 that is expected to announce Japan’s participation in trilateral naval patrols in the South China Sea.


In late March, Manila strongly protested after Chinese water cannon blasts hurt three Filipino crew members and caused “significant damages" to a vessel attempting to resupply troops stationed at Second Thomas Shoal.


And in the latest maritime encounter, Manila said two Chinese coast guard vessels had "harassed" Filipino fishing vessels on Saturday, while China's coast guard said those ships had "illegally" entered waters that Beijing has sovereignty over, according to Reuters.

Philippines, US, Australia and Japan to hold naval drills in the South China Sea — BenarNews

Originally Posted by misskit

In a joint statement released Saturday, the four nations’ defense chiefs said the “Maritime Cooperative Activity” would take place inside the Philippines’ 200-mile exclusive economic zone and adhere to international conventions on the right of freedom of sea and air navigation.

Which countries have claims inside the Filipino zone ?

Misskit ?

Originally Posted by misskit

His Japanese counterpart, Kihara Minoru, said the drills were aimed at securing a peaceful region.

Sure

Originally Posted by misskit

Tokyo also “opposes any unilateral changes to the status quo by force,” he said.

Almost liked Japan better when they didn't suck Seppo cock.

But I believe them on this one

Since you asked…

Good news

The Chines do love being poked with a sharp stick. It gives them another excuse to be angry for no reason, and reminds the proles that government has other concerns apart from a failing economy.

Goes without saying

I'm sure you could name a few other countries, who could fit that description too.

UK ?

Originally Posted by helge

Almost liked Japan better when they didn't suck Seppo cock.

You mean like Finland pre NATO?

Originally Posted by Norton

Originally Posted by helge
Almost liked Japan better when they didn't suck Seppo cock.

You mean like Finland pre NATO?

Maybe

Perhaps they joined NATO to save money

Do you know if they still fly the Swastika in their millitary colours ?