Japan, US, Australia and Philippines hold first joint training exercise in South China Sea. Is it aimed at keeping China in check?.
The four countries issued a joint statement, expressing their commitment to working together to strengthen efforts towards a free and open Indo-Pacific, upholding freedom of navigation and respecting international law. The exercise was positioned as the first "maritime joint activity" by the four countries, and the ships confirmed their cooperation by conducting communication exercises and sailing in formation. The joint exercise was held on the 7th in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone in the South China sea.