Amid China Tensions, US, Japan, and Philippines Plan Joint Exercises

In response to escalating regional tensions with China, the United States, Japan, and the Philippines are set to hold joint exercises involving their respective coast guards for the first time. The trilateral drills will take place off Bataan province, facing the South China Sea, from June 1 to 7, as stated in a Monday announcement by the Philippine Coast Guard. The exercises aim to enhance interoperability and will include training in maritime law enforcement and maneuvering drills.

The Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson, Armand Balilo, clarified that the exercises are unrelated to Manila’s ongoing maritime dispute with Beijing. He emphasized that the drills are routine in nature and were requested by both the United States and Japan.

These coast guard drills serve as the latest demonstration of collaboration between the United States and its allies in the Asian region, reflecting the intensifying rivalry between Washington and Beijing. Around 400 crew members from four ships will participate in the trilateral exercises, with Australia and India potentially acting as observers, as confirmed by Balilo.

Last month, the US and the Philippines conducted their largest military exercises, involving rockets and combat aircraft simulating the sinking of an enemy ship in an area near the South China Sea. The Philippine Coast Guard has been actively involved in managing tensions with China in disputed waters, including recent near collisions with Chinese ships. Against this backdrop, the Southeast Asian nation, under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has been strengthening its defense alliance with the US, granting American troops expanded access to Philippine territories earlier this year.