Philippine Coast Guard personnel have observed a Chinese Coast Guard vessel shadowing the Philippine resupply mission at Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, showcasing the ongoing tensions in the region. In response to China's growing naval presence, Japan is preparing to engage in a joint training exercise in the South China Sea with the United States and the Philippines, as government sources have revealed.
The proposed naval drill is anticipated to gain approval from Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, U.S. President Joe Biden, and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during the upcoming three-nation summit in Washington on April 11. This move is intended to enhance trilateral security cooperation between Japan, the United States, and the Philippines to counterbalance China's maritime activities in the area. Tokyo and Washington have been deepening their security relations with Manila since the presidency of Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who advocates for a strong partnership with the United States.
As part of the concerted efforts to demonstrate the benefits of tripartite security collaboration, Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force will participate in the joint training exercise or patrol activity that the U.S. and Philippine militaries are organizing in the South China Sea. Beyond these military exercises, Japan is reportedly planning to elevate the status of the Philippines to that of a "quasi-ally," aligning it with countries like Britain and Australia in terms of strategic ties. This move underscores Japan's commitment to bolstering regional security and cooperation, with specific initiatives including providing coastal surveillance radar equipment to the Philippine military in line with Japan's official security assistance program.