US, Japan and Australia plan joint navy drills in disputed South China Sea

The United States, Japan and Australia are planning a joint navy drill within the South China Sea off the western Philippines this week to underscore their dedication to the rule of regulation within the area after a current present of Chinese aggression within the disputed waters, Filipino safety officers mentioned Sunday.

On Aug. 5, Chinese coast guard ships used water cannons towards Philippine vessels within the contested waterway the place disputes have lengthy been thought to be a possible flashpoint and have turn out to be a fault line within the rivalry between the U.S. and China within the area.

The drill will embrace three plane and helicopter carriers crusing collectively in a present of power and endeavor joint drills. Their commanders are set to fulfill with Filipino counterparts in Manila after the offshore drills, two Philippine safety officers informed The Associated Press.

The U.S. plans to deploy an plane provider, the USS America, whereas Japan would ship one among its largest warships, the helicopter provider JS Izumo. The Royal Australian Navy would ship its HMAS Canberra, which additionally carries helicopters, one of many two officers mentioned, including that the joint drill was deliberate a couple of months in the past.

The Philippines wouldn’t be a part of this week’s drills because of army logistical limitations however is open to changing into a participant sooner or later, the official mentioned.

The United States, Japan and Australia had been amongst a number of nations that instantly expressed assist for the Philippines and concern over the Chinese motion following the tense stand-off earlier this month.

Philippine officers mentioned six Chinese coast guard ships and two militia vessels blocked two Philippine navy-chartered civilian boats taking provides to the Philippine forces stationed on the Second Thomas Shoal. One provide boat was hit with a robust water cannon by the Chinese coast guard whereas the opposite managed to ship meals, water, gasoline and different provides to the Filipino forces guarding the shoal, the Philippine army mentioned.

The Chinese coast guard acknowledged its ships used water cannons towards the Philippine vessels, which it mentioned strayed with out permission into the shoal, which Beijing calls Ren’ai Jiao.

“In order to avoid direct blocking and collisions when repeated warnings were ineffective, water cannons were used as a warning. The on-site operation was professional and restrained, which is beyond reproach,” the Chinese coast guard mentioned. “China will continue to take necessary measures to firmly safeguard its territorial sovereignty.”

The Philippine army mentioned on Saturday that it might once more try to ship fundamental provides to its forces within the Second Thomas Shoal, however didn’t present additional particulars.

The mission “to the shoal is a clear demonstration of our resolve to stand up against threats and coercion and our commitment in upholding the rule of law,” the Armed Forces of the Philippines mentioned in an announcement.

Following the incident, Washington renewed a warning that it’s obliged to defend its longtime treaty ally if Philippine public vessels and forces come underneath armed assault, together with within the South China Sea.

Edited By:

Sudeep Lavania

Published On:

Aug 20, 2023