On Friday, the Philippines and Japan conducted inaugural joint military exercises in the South China Sea, as per announcements from the Philippine armed forces. This marks a new phase in the collaboration between the two nations, who have expressed mutual fears of ‘chinese aggression’ in the region. The exercises, held within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, followed similar drills between Manila and Washington earlier in the week. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) stated that these activities are part of ongoing efforts to enhance regional and international cooperation aimed at achieving a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Last month, the Philippines and Japan, both allies of the U.S., signed a landmark military agreement permitting the deployment of each other’s forces on their respective territories. China asserts sovereignty over much of the South China Sea through the “nine-dash line”, a crucial trade route for northeast Asia, which is also partially claimed by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Japan, which last year unveiled its largest military expansion since World War II as part of a shift from post-war pacifism, does not have any claims to this heavily contested waterway.

Despite the troubled history between the Phillipines and Japan, of whom the former was occupied by the latter during the Second World War, both are indeed strong partners of the United States and seek joint protection within the American sphere.

Source: Reuters