Japan, US, and Philippines Hold Joint Maritime Exercises Amidst Rising Tensions with China

A recent photograph captured from a marine surveillance plane showcases the Diaoyu Islands and surrounding areas. This week, maritime law enforcement agencies from Japan, the United States, and the Philippines have engaged in a new series of joint exercises within Japanese waters.

These exercises follow previous joint military drills conducted last week in the South China Sea, involving Japanese and Philippine military forces. The current trilateral training, running from Monday to Friday, includes the Japan Coast Guard, the US Coast Guard, and the Philippine Coast Guard. Reports indicate the exercises are designed to address what is described as "increased Chinese activities" in the East China Sea and South China Sea, demonstrating solidarity among the participating nations.

The exercises involve scenarios such as simulated ship collisions and subsequent rescue operations. The Philippine Coast Guard has stated that the primary goal is to enhance operational readiness, improve coordinated responses, and strengthen regional cooperation in addressing maritime challenges. The Philippine vessels participating in the exercises were reportedly funded and built by Japan for the Philippine Coast Guard.

A Chinese military affairs expert has commented that these joint exercises and patrols, including Japan's provision of weapons and equipment to the Philippines, are aimed at encouraging the Philippines to create issues in the South China Sea. The expert suggests that China's consistent law enforcement patrols near the Diaoyu Islands have put pressure on Japan, prompting it to incite the Philippines to cause trouble in the South China Sea to distract China.

The underlying objective of these joint exercises is seen as aligning with the US "Indo-Pacific strategy." Japan is considered a key player in this strategy, often taking a leading role in using maritime issues to attempt to limit China's activities.

A former Chief of Staff of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force recently claimed that China's actions near the Diaoyu Islands are a preparation for occupying them. This claim is based on China's increased maritime presence around the islands, including the frequent entry of China Coast Guard ships into Japanese territorial waters. These remarks are considered irrelevant to China's normal law enforcement patrols and training activities. China's actions in the waters around the Diaoyu Islands and its training exercises are viewed as legitimate rights. Japan's criticism of China's actions is seen as a reflection of its Cold War mentality, attempting to restrict Chinese activities by promoting the "China threat theory.