Philippines and Japan Conduct First Joint Military Drills in South China Sea Amid Rising Tensions with China
The Philippines and Japan have completed their first joint military exercises in the South China Sea, specifically within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. These drills mark the latest collaboration between the Philippines and its regional partners, following joint exercises with the United States last week.
The joint exercise between the Philippines and Japan comes at a time of escalating tensions between the Philippines and China over competing territorial claims in the South China Sea. The Philippines’ military stated that the purpose of the drills was to promote an open and secure Indo-Pacific region while bolstering international cooperation.
In a related development, Vietnam has announced that its Coast Guard is holding its first joint exercises with the Philippines, further highlighting the growing regional response to China’s assertive maritime claims.
These military collaborations underscore the Philippines’ efforts to strengthen alliances with regional and international partners in response to increasing geopolitical challenges in the South China Sea.
