Quadrilateral Naval Exercise in the South China Sea
On April 7, 2023, Japan, the United States, the Philippines, and Australia conducted a joint maritime exercise in the South China Sea. This exercise, described as the "first multilateral maritime cooperative activity" by the participating nations, was seen as a response to China's growing assertiveness in the region.
The exercise involved the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer Akebono, the U.S. Navy's littoral combat ship Mobile, and Australian and Philippine frigates. The drills included communication exercises, a passage near the Ayungin Shoal, and planned anti-submarine warfare training.
In a joint statement, the four countries affirmed their commitment to freedom of navigation and overflight, and respect for maritime rights under international law. This statement is widely seen as a response to China's land reclamation and militarization activities in the Spratly Islands.
The exercise was completed as planned on April 8, 2023. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed hope that the exercise would help deter conflict with China.
On the same day, China's military conducted its own joint air and sea patrol in the South China Sea. The Chinese Southern Theater Command stated that they are aware of all military activities that disrupt the stability of the region and create conflict.
The Philippines, with limited naval resources, sees defense cooperation with the United States and its allies as crucial to countering China's growing influence in the region. The first-ever Japan-U.S.-Philippines trilateral summit is scheduled to be held in Washington on April 11, 2023.