Philippines and Japan Conduct First Joint Naval Exercise in South China Sea
On August 2, the Philippines and Japan conducted their first joint naval exercise in the South China Sea. This exercise involved the Philippine Navy’s Jose Rizal frigate and Japan’s Maritime Self-Defence Force’s Sazanami destroyer. The joint exercise is part of a bilateral defence treaty called the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), aimed at enhancing security cooperation between the two nations.
The exercise included tactical maneuvering, communication, and photographic drills in areas claimed by the Philippines. The Armed Forces of the Philippines stated that this activity is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen regional and international cooperation for a free and open Indo-Pacific.
During the exercise, two Chinese naval vessels were observed tailing the formation. This joint activity is similar to recent exercises conducted by the Philippine Navy with allies like the US, Australia, and France, demonstrating a commitment to freedom of navigation and the rule of law amid China’s growing assertiveness in the South China Sea.
Recently, the Filipino navy patrol ship BRP Ramon Alcaraz and the US Navy’s USS Mobile also conducted a joint sailing exercise in the South China Sea. Both the Philippines and Japan are long-time allies of the US, which is strengthening ties in the region to counter Chinese aggression.
Additionally, a Vietnamese Coast Guard vessel is en route to the Philippines for a joint training exercise focusing on search and rescue operations and maritime safety. This marks the first such exercise between Vietnam and the Philippines.
China claims nearly all of the South China Sea, including the Paracel and Spratly Islands, leading to territorial disputes with countries like the Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan, Brunei, Malaysia, and Indonesia. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently expressed concerns over China’s actions in the region during a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, who accused the US of stoking tensions.
Doubts Revealed
Philippines -: The Philippines is a country made up of many islands in Southeast Asia. It is located in the western Pacific Ocean.
Japan -: Japan is an island country in East Asia, located in the northwest Pacific Ocean. It is known for its advanced technology and rich culture.
Naval Exercise -: A naval exercise is a practice activity conducted by navies to train their sailors and test their ships and equipment.
South China Sea -: The South China Sea is a large sea in Southeast Asia. It is important for shipping and has many islands that different countries claim.
Jose Rizal frigate -: The Jose Rizal frigate is a type of warship used by the Philippine Navy. It is named after a national hero of the Philippines.
Sazanami destroyer -: The Sazanami destroyer is a type of warship used by the Japanese Navy. It is designed to protect other ships and attack enemy vessels.
Bilateral defence treaty -: A bilateral defence treaty is an agreement between two countries to help each other with military support and protection.
China’s assertiveness -: China’s assertiveness refers to China’s strong and sometimes aggressive actions to control areas like the South China Sea.
Tactical maneuvers -: Tactical maneuvers are planned movements of ships or troops to achieve a specific goal during a military exercise or operation.
Communication drills -: Communication drills are practice activities to improve how military units talk to each other using radios and other equipment.
US allies -: US allies are countries that have a friendly and supportive relationship with the United States, often working together on security and defense.
Regional security cooperation -: Regional security cooperation means countries in a specific area working together to keep the region safe and stable.
