US, Canada, Japan, and Philippines Conduct Joint Exercises in the South China Sea

The United States, Canada, Japan, and the Philippines conducted a joint maritime exercise in the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea, the U.S. Pacific Fleet announced on the 17th (local time).

According to major foreign media on the day, the Pacific Fleet stated on its website that the exercise "focused on reaffirming the commitment of the four countries to maintaining freedom of navigation and overflight, and enhancing security and stability in the region." It also added that four warships participated in the exercise.

In April, the Philippines also conducted a joint maritime exercise with the United States, Japan, and Australia. Given that the Philippines is engaged in a territorial dispute with China in the South China Sea, this is interpreted as an effort to build a friendly front with countries supporting the Philippines' territorial claims.