This can be the primary full-scale exercise involving the 4 countries, aimed toward increasing the interoperability of their forces, sources said. The exercise will include anti-submarine training, communications exercises and sailing ships in formation.
Will China’s fourth aircraft carrier head into troubled waters in Asia?
Will China’s fourth aircraft carrier head into troubled waters in Asia?
The exercises scheduled for Sunday will happen within the context of China’s assertiveness within the resource-rich South China Sea. The latest incident occurred on March 23, when the Chinese Coast Guard fired a water cannon at a Filipino ship heading to Manila-controlled Second Thomas Shoal.
The ship was severely damaged within the incident and Filipino soldiers on board were injured.
The Royal Australian Navy frigate Warramunga arrived in Palawan for a port call ahead of the joint exercise, and Commander Jennifer Graham paid a courtesy call on the Filipino military commander in the world, a Filipino source said.
Another source said the exercise involved an Australian Warramunga aircraft, a Japanese destroyer and several other naval units from the United States and the Philippines. The exercise will probably be conducted outside the Philippines’ territorial waters but inside its exclusive economic zone.
The Philippines has expressed its intention to carry joint exercises with the three countries several times a 12 months, the source added.
Philippines increases maritime security as tensions with China escalate
Philippines increases maritime security as tensions with China escalate
