The Philippine military confirmed that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) commenced a series of joint maritime exercises in the West Philippine Sea, part of the broader South China Sea.

These exercises, which started on November 20, 2023, are designed to strengthen bilateral defense ties and enhance the interoperability of the two nations' naval forces.

This initiative comes amid ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea, where multiple nations, including China, Vietnam, and the Philippines, assert claims over various maritime areas.

The cooperation between the Philippines and Japan is seen as a strategic response to China’s expansionist activities in the region, which have led to heightened military presence and increasing tensions.

During the exercises, conducted off the coast of Palawan, both nations engaged in various operations, including maritime patrols and humanitarian assistance drills.

The Philippine Navy’s BRP Antonio Luna and Japan’s JS Nisio participated in the maneuvers, which also involved simulated search and rescue operations.

The drills reflect the growing security partnership between the Philippines and Japan, formally established under a defense agreement signed in 2016, which allows for increased security cooperation and joint training missions.

The U.S. has expressed support for maritime security initiatives in the region and views these drills as vital to ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Both the Philippine and Japanese governments have reiterated their commitment to uphold international laws and norms regarding maritime conduct.

In a related development, the Philippine government has ramped up its diplomatic efforts to strengthen defense ties not only with Japan but also with other allies, including the United States, as part of its broader strategy to counter Chinese influence in the region.