US, Philippines, Japan, Australia to hold South China Sea drill amid China actions

It could be the primary full-scale train involving the 4 international locations aimed toward enhancing interoperability amongst their forces, the sources stated. The train will embody anti-submarine warfare coaching, communication drills and crusing ships in formation.

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Sunday’s deliberate drill would happen in opposition to the backdrop of China’s assertiveness within the resource-rich South China Sea. The most recent incident occurred on March 23 when the Chinese language Coast Guard fired a water cannon at a Philippine vessel on a mission to the Manila-controlled Second Thomas Shoal.

The vessel was closely broken within the incident, whereas Filipino servicemen aboard had been injured.

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Chinese language floating barrier blocks entrance to Philippine ships at South China Sea flashpoint

Chinese language floating barrier blocks entrance to Philippine ships at South China Sea flashpoint

The Royal Australian Navy’s frigate Warramunga arrived in Palawan for a port name forward of the joint train, with Commander Jennifer Graham paying a courtesy name on the Philippine army commander within the space, a Philippine supply stated.

The Warramunga, an Australian plane, a Japanese destroyer, and a number of other naval property from america and the Philippines are participating within the drill, one other supply stated. The train can be carried out outdoors Philippine territorial waters however inside its unique financial zone.

The Philippines has expressed its intention to carry a joint train with the three international locations a number of occasions a 12 months, the supply added.

Philippines boosts maritime safety as pressure with China boils over