MANILA. The defense forces of the United States, Japan, Australia, and the Philippines are set to engage in maritime cooperative activities on April 7 in a concerted effort to uphold the principles of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. This announcement comes amidst growing concerns over China’s escalating assertiveness in the South China Sea.
The one-day exercises, slated to take place in Manila’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), will include communication activities and officer-of-the-watch maneuvers, according to statements from Philippines’ defense ministry spokesperson, Arsenio Andolong.
The participating vessels, including the littoral combat ship USS Mobile, Australian frigate HMAS Warramunga, and Japanese destroyer JS Akebono, will join two Philippine warships in the exercises, which are designed to strengthen interoperability among the armed forces of the four nations.
“They will go from south going to the north encompassing the boundary of western and northern command,” Andolong elaborated.
The joint statement emphasized the exercises as an opportunity to align armed forces’ doctrines, tactics, techniques, and procedures, underscoring the collective commitment to maritime security in the region.
Additionally, the four nations reiterated their support for the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Tribunal Award, regarding it as final and legally binding.
The timing of these maritime activities is noteworthy as it precedes a summit involving the leaders of Japan, the U.S., and the Philippines. Discussions during the summit are expected to address recent incidents in the South China Sea.
Since assuming office in 2022, Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has pursued closer ties with Western nations, particularly the U.S., while adopting a more assertive stance against perceived Chinese aggression, departing from his predecessor’s pro-Beijing stance.
Recent maritime confrontations between the Philippines and China, involving water cannon and verbal exchanges, have raised concerns about escalating tensions at sea.
The Chinese embassy in Manila has yet to respond to requests for comment on these joint naval exercises.
China’s expansive territorial claims in the South China Sea have been a source of contention among neighboring countries, including Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam. The strategic waterway sees the transit of goods worth $3 trillion annually, further highlighting the significance of ensuring stability and freedom of navigation in the region.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
