Japan and the Philippines hold first joint naval exercise
Japan and the Philippines held their first joint maritime exercises as part of a defense pact signed in July. The exercises, held in the South China Sea, involved the Japanese destroyer "JS Sazanami" and the Philippine guided-missile frigate "BRP Jose Rizal," the Philippine military announced on Friday.
The ships conducted communication drills and tactical maneuvers in waters off the Philippine west coast, known as the West Philippine Sea.
"The exercises enhanced the tactical capabilities of the Philippine and Japanese navies and their close coordination, as well as their shared commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region," the Philippine military said.
Manila and Tokyo signed a defense pact last month amid tensions with China in the South China Sea, allowing both countries to deploy and train troops in each other's territory. Two days ago, the Philippine and U.S. navies also held a joint exercise in the South China Sea.
China claims virtually the entire South China Sea and is in dispute with the Philippines and Japan over parts of the maritime territory. Incidents occur regularly. Chinese military exercises near Taiwan also raise tensions in the region and warnings from the U.S., which is a key ally for many island states. Beijing accuses Washington of trying to build an Asian version of NATO in the Asia-Pacific region due to its alliances there.
The joint maritime exercises included various manoeuvres, such as communication drills and Marine manoeuvres, to improve the tactical capabilities of both navies. The defense pact between Japan and the Philippines also allows for future joint Marine manoeuvres to be conducted in each other's territories.
