Japan, U.S., and Philippines Hold Joint Coast Guard Exercise Amid China's Maritime Expansion

A joint training exercise was conducted off the coast of Kagoshima Prefecture in southern Japan on June 20. The exercise involved patrol vessels from the U.S. Coast Guard, the Japan Coast Guard, and the Philippine Coast Guard.

This joint exercise was organized by Japan's coast guard and took place in response to China's increasing maritime activities. The exercise followed Japan's confirmation that two Chinese aircraft carriers had operated together in the Pacific for the first time in June. Tensions had risen between Japan and China after a Chinese fighter jet flew dangerously close to Japanese reconnaissance aircraft.

The exercise, which took place near Japan's southern prefecture of Kagoshima, involved 350 personnel from the three participating countries. The scenario for the exercise included a simulated collision between vessels at sea, a fire, and crew members falling overboard.

The leaders of the three nations agreed last year to strengthen their maritime cooperation, expressing concern over Beijing's military activities in the region. The first joint drills were held in the Philippines in 2023.

According to Japan coast guard commander Adm. Yoshio Seguchi, the coast guard cooperation aims to secure a “free and open” Indo-Pacific by fostering mutual understanding and trust.

China regularly deploys coast guard vessels, warships, and warplanes around disputed islands in the East China Sea. Recently, these activities have extended as far as Guam, a U.S. Pacific territory with military bases. China also sends coast guard vessels into the South China Sea, where it claims almost the entire area, leading to frequent clashes with Philippine vessels.