Joint Maritime 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 was seen as a response to China's increasingly assertive actions in the strategic waterway.
The exercise involved the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer Akebono, the Mobile littoral combat ship from the U.S. Navy, and Australian and Philippine frigates. The training included communication drills, a passage near the Ayungin Shoal, and 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 seen as a move by the United States and its allies to strengthen defense cooperation in response to China's land reclamation and militarization activities in the Spratly Islands.
On the same day, China's military also conducted a joint air and sea patrol in the South China Sea. The Chinese Southern Theater Command announced that it had conducted a joint air and sea "combat patrol." The statement said that China is aware of all military activities disrupting the stability of the South China Sea and creating conflict.
The Philippines, with limited naval resources, sees defense cooperation with the United States and its allies as vital to counter China. The first-ever Japan-U.S.-Philippines trilateral summit will be held in Washington on April 11, 2023.