In the South China Sea, where China has repeatedly engaged in coercive behavior, the Philippine military, together with Japan's Self-Defense Forces, the United States, and the Australian military, conducted joint training for the first time as a four-nation group, with the four countries aiming for a free and open Indo-Pacific. He emphasized that he would strengthen his efforts.
According to the Philippine military, the joint exercise was held on the 7th in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea. Along with a Philippine warship, Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer Akebono participated, as well as a US Navy littoral combat ship and an Australian naval ship. A frigate has also been added.
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 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.
In the South China Sea, there have been a number of injuries on the Philippine side due to water cannon fire by the Chinese Coast Guard, and the joint training exercise by the four countries appears to be aimed at keeping China in check.