The one-day maritime exercises will involve communication
activities and officer of the watch maneuvers in Manila's
exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea,
Philippines' defense ministry spokesperson Arsenio Andolong told
reporters.
Littoral combat ship USS Mobile, Australian frigate HMAS
Warramunga and Japanese destroyer JS Akebono will join two
Philippine warships, Andolong said.
"They will go from south going to the north encompassing the
boundary of western and northern command," he said.
The activity will strengthen the interoperability of the
countries' armed forces doctrines, tactics, techniques and
procedures, the joint statement read.
The four nations have reaffirmed their position that the 2016
South China Sea Arbitral Tribunal Award is final and legally
binding.
The maritime activity takes place days before a summit between
the leaders of Japan, the U.S. and the Philippines, which will
include a discussion of recent incidents in the South China Sea.
Since taking power in 2022, Philippines President Ferdinand
Marcos Jr. has pursued warmer ties with the U.S. and other
western nations and adopted a tough line against what he sees as
Chinese hostility, turning away from his predecessor's
pro-Beijing stance.
The Philippines and China had several maritime run-ins last
month that included the use of water cannon and heated verbal
exchanges, and have triggered concern about an escalation at
sea.
China's embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to request
for comment.
Beijing claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China
Sea, which rankled neighboring countries that dispute some
boundaries they say cut into their exclusive economic zones.
Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam have competing claims of
sovereignty in portions of the South China Sea, a passage
through which $3 trillion in goods move every year.
(Reporting by Neil Jerome Morales; Editing by Sam Holmes.)
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