MANILA – The Philippines commenced two days of joint sea and air exercises with the United States, Canada, and Australia on Wednesday, according to a joint statement. These exercises come amid Beijing’s ongoing territorial claims over the South China Sea.
The maneuvers, held “within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone,” demonstrate “our collective commitment to strengthen regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific,” stated top military officials from the four nations.
This activity occurs as China’s aggressive stance towards Taiwan and the South China Sea heightens fears of a potential conflict that could involve the United States.
Beijing claims the majority of the South China Sea, rejecting an international tribunal’s ruling that deemed its claims baseless.
Last week, Manila conducted separate naval exercises in the South China Sea, initially with the United States and then with Japan.
A joint coast guard exercise is also planned for Friday off Manila Bay between the Philippines and Vietnam.
The Philippines maintains a mutual defense treaty with the United States and recently signed a treaty with Japan, enabling troop deployments on each other’s territory.
The “multilateral maritime cooperative activity” is the first group exercise involving the four nations and includes both naval and air force units, according to a Filipino military spokesperson.
“The naval and air force units of participating nations will operate together, enhancing cooperation and inter-operability between our armed forces,” said the joint statement, which did not specify the participating vessels and military units.
“Australia, Canada, the Philippines, and the United States uphold the right to freedom of navigation and overflight, other lawful uses of the sea and international airspace, as well as respect for maritime rights under international law, as reflected in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.”