Philippines, Japan, US hold joint military drills in South China Sea

MANILA, Feb 27 (Reuters) – The navies of the Philippines, the U.S. and Japan trained alongside each other in the South China Sea this week to ramp up cooperation among the military allies, the Philippines’ armed forces said on Friday. 

Since 2023, the Philippines has worked with a number of countries to assert its rights and maritime entitlements in the South China Sea. China claims most of the resource-rich waterway, rejecting a 2016 arbitral award that has voided its historical claims to the area.

* In a statement, the Philippine military said the jointactivity “underscores the sustained commitment of partner forcesto enhance interoperability, reinforce maritime security, andimprove Maritime Domain Awareness in the region.” * The Philippines deployed its Antonio Luna frigate,helicopters and fighter jets to the joint drills. Japan deployeda P-3 Orion aircraft while the U.S. sent guided-missiledestroyer USS Dewey and a Poseidon plane.  * Exercises included replenishment at sea, joint airpatrols, fly-bys and communications check exercises. * The Philippines also held similar exercises with Australiaand the U.S. on February 15 and 16. 

(Reporting by Mikhail Flores; Editing by Thomas Derpinghaus)