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 coincided with a separate patrol conducted by the Chinese military in the same region.
The participating vessels included the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer Akebono, the U.S. Navy littoral combat ship Mobile, and frigates from Australia and the Philippines. This quadrilateral training is seen as a response to China's increasingly assertive actions in the strategic waterway, while the Chinese exercise is viewed as a countermeasure.
This latest drill, conducted on a larger scale than previous exercises, was described as the "first multilateral maritime cooperative activity" by the group. It took place in the Philippine exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and included communication drills, a passage near the Ayungin Shoal, and planned anti-submarine warfare training.
In a joint statement, the four countries affirmed their "right 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.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed hope that the exercise will help deter conflict with China.
On the same day, China's military conducted a joint air and sea patrol in the South China Sea, stating that they are aware of all military activities disrupting regional stability 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.