MANILA (Bloomberg): The Philippines, Japan and the US completed their latest round of joint defense exercises in the South China Sea as tensions between Manila and Beijing escalate in the contested waterway.
In a statement Sunday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said the three countries deployed naval vessels and aircraft as part of the drill from July 21 to 25. The exercise "underscores the enduring partnership among the partner nations in promoting peace, stability, and security in the Indo-Pacific region,” it said.
The armed forces said the joint drills show the Philippines’ commitment in ensuring freedom of navigation and overflight in the West Philippine Sea, Manila’s term for the South China Sea portion that it claims.
The joint activity happened as the Philippines and China reported several clashes in recent days that further heightened longstanding tensions. The Philippines, Japan and the US have been stepping up joint military exercises in recent months, as they seek a stronger alliance.
China’s embassy in Manila didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. China has been asserting its claims in large swathes of the South China Sea despite a 2016 ruling by an international tribunal that rejected them.
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