The United States and four of its allies, including the Philippines, Australia, and Japan, conducted joint maritime exercises in the South China Sea on Saturday. The exercise took place in Manila’s exclusive economic zone and aimed to enhance combat readiness and interoperability among the participating countries. Vice Adm. Fred Kacher, commander of the U.S. 7th Fleet, emphasized that these activities demonstrate their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
This joint exercise comes at a time of increasing tension in the region due to China’s aggressive actions towards its neighbors such as Taiwan, the Philippines, and Japan. Recent incidents involving Beijing include ramming boats, using water cannons against vessels, and firing flares at aircraft near contested areas like Sabina Shoal.
Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr., chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, highlighted that this joint exercise underscores their shared commitment to upholding freedom of navigation and respect for maritime rights under international law.
The participating units included U.S. Navy destroyer USS Howard (DDG 83), Philippine Navy vessel BRP Antonio Luna (FF151), Australian Navy cruiser HMAS Sydney (D48), Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ship JS Sazanami (DD113), and Royal New Zealand Navy vessel HMNZS Aotearoa (A11).
Meanwhile, Australia has consistently pressed China on peace and stability in both the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait according to Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong’s speech at the U.N General Assembly.
Taiwan has also reported an increase in Chinese military activity around its vicinity recently with multiple military aircraft detected near its airspace.
In response to these developments, China’s Southern Theatre Command announced “routine” air and naval drills around Scarborough Shoal without specifying their duration or naming any countries involved.
During talks between U.S Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the U.N General Assembly meeting in New York City last week; Blinken raised concerns about China’s actions in both South China Sea as well as across Taiwan Strait emphasizing maintaining peace stability across both regions is crucial while keeping open lines communication between two sides intact
