Manila, Philippines – The United States, Japan, Australia, and the Philippines are set to conduct their inaugural joint naval exercises, which will include anti-submarine warfare training, in a display of unity and strength in the South China Sea. The exercises come in response to China’s assertive actions in the region, causing concern among neighboring countries.
This collaborative effort among the four treaty allies and security partners aims to uphold the rule of law, ensuring a peaceful and stable Indo-Pacific region while safeguarding freedom of navigation and overflight. While the joint statement issued by the defense chiefs did not directly name China, it reiterated their support for a 2016 international arbitration ruling that invalidated China’s expansive territorial claims based on historical grounds.
China’s refusal to participate in the arbitration and its continued defiance of the ruling have raised tensions in the region. The Philippines, in particular, has sought international arbitration to address its disputes with China, leading to a tense standoff in the South China Sea.
Japan announced its participation in the exercises, deploying its destroyer, the JS Akebono, to engage in anti-submarine warfare training and other military maneuvers. With a focus on maintaining peace and stability in the region, Japan emphasized the importance of respecting national sovereignty and adhering to international law.
The United States and Australia also voiced their commitment to upholding the rules-based international order, emphasizing the need for countries to operate within the boundaries of international law. The military drills scheduled on Sunday mark the beginning of efforts to enhance the Philippines’ capacity for self-defense, amid escalating tensions in the South China Sea involving multiple nations.
While Washington has no territorial claims in the South China Sea, it has reiterated its obligation to defend its treaty ally, the Philippines, in the event of an armed attack. The recent hostilities between China and the Philippines have sparked fears of a potential conflict, prompting international concern.
As diplomatic tensions persist, the upcoming summit at the White House between President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister, and the Philippine President will likely address the growing concerns in the region. The incidents in the South China Sea highlight the complex territorial disputes and power struggles that continue to define the geopolitics of the Asia-Pacific region.