MANILA/TOKYO (Reuters): The United States, Australia, Japan and the Philippines are planning anti-submarine drills in the South China Sea on April 7, Kyodo news agency reported on Tuesday.
It would mark the first such full-fledged exercise for the navies of the four countries in those waters and is likely aimed at demonstrating solidarity with the Philippines against China's growing assertiveness, Kyodo said, citing multiple people familiar with the matter.
A China foreign ministry spokesperson said on Monday that no matter what policies the Philippines rolls out, it cannot affect China's sovereignty and maritime rights.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr ordered his government to strengthen its coordination on maritime security to confront "serious challenges" to territorial integrity and peace amid an escalating dispute with China over competing claims in the South China Sea.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said China hopes the Philippines observes the commitments and consensus reached by both countries, and properly manages situations through negotiations. - Reuiters
