The United States, Australia, Japan, and the Philippines are set to conduct joint naval and air drills in the disputed South China Sea on Sunday as part of their efforts to counter China's increasing assertiveness in the region. The exercise, named the "Maritime Cooperative Activity," will demonstrate the allies' collective commitment to strengthening regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The drills will include naval and air force units from all four countries, aimed at enhancing the interoperability of their doctrines, tactics, techniques, and procedures. While specific details of the drills were not disclosed, the Japanese embassy in Manila mentioned that "anti-submarine warfare training" would be part of the exercises.
The joint activity comes ahead of a trilateral summit between the leaders of the Philippines, Japan, and the United States, scheduled to be the first of its kind, which underscores the growing cooperation among the countries in addressing regional security challenges.
The presence of the Australian warship HMAS Warramunga near the contested waters of the South China Sea further signals the commitment of the participating countries to uphold peace and stability in the region. These exercises and diplomatic efforts aim to address tensions and confrontations that have arisen between Chinese and Philippine vessels near disputed reefs.
The United States reaffirmed its commitment to defending the Philippines against any armed attack in the South China Sea, emphasizing the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation and adherence to international law. The joint activities with allies underscore the shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
Additionally, talks between the Philippines and Japan for a defense pact, similar to existing agreements with Australia and the United States, are ongoing. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida emphasized the need for Japan to play a more significant role in the region and pledged cooperation in various sectors, including semiconductors, digital technology, and next-generation nuclear energy. These developments highlight the deepening strategic partnerships among countries in the Indo-Pacific to address common security challenges and promote regional stability.
