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US, Japan and Australia plan joint navy drills in South China Sea

 

By Jim Gomez, The Associated Press

 Aug 20, 03:43 PM

FILE - A Philippine Coast Guard rigid hull inflatable boat passes by the Japanese Coast Guard Akitsushima during a trilateral Coast Guard drill of the U.S., Japan and Philippines, near the waters of the disputed South China Sea in Bataan province, Philippines, Tuesday, June 6, 2023. (Aaron Favila/AP, File)

MANILA, Philippines — The United States, Japan and Australia are planning a joint navy drill in the South China Sea off the western Philippines this week to underscore their commitment to the rule of law in the region after a recent show of Chinese aggression in the disputed waters, Filipino security officials said Sunday.

On Aug. 5, Chinese coast guard ships used water cannons against Philippine vessels in the contested waterway where disputes have long been regarded as a potential flashpoint and have become a fault line in the rivalry between the U.S. and China in the region.

The drill will include three aircraft and helicopter carriers sailing together in a show of force and undertaking joint drills. Their commanders are set to meet with Filipino counterparts in Manila after the offshore drills, two Philippine security officials told The Associated Press.

Both spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not allowed to publicly discuss details of the planned drills.

The U.S. plans to deploy the USS America, while Japan would send one of its biggest warships, the helicopter carrier JS Izumo. The Royal Australian Navy would send its HMAS Canberra, which also carries helicopters, one of the two officials said, adding that the joint drill was planned a few months ago.

The Philippines would not be part of this week’s drills due to military logistical limitations but is open to becoming a participant in the future, the official said.

The United States, Japan and Australia were among several countries that immediately expressed support for the Philippines and concern over the Chinese action following the tense stand-off earlier this month.

Philippine officials said six Chinese coast guard ships and two militia vessels blocked two Philippine navy-chartered civilian boats taking supplies to the Philippine forces stationed at the Second Thomas Shoal. One supply boat was hit with a powerful water cannon by the Chinese coast guard while the other managed to deliver food, water, fuel and other supplies to the Filipino forces guarding the shoal, the Philippine military said.

The Chinese coast guard acknowledged its ships used water cannons against the Philippine vessels, which it said strayed without permission into the shoal, which Beijing calls Ren’ai Jiao.

“In order to avoid direct blocking and collisions when repeated warnings were ineffective, water cannons were used as a warning. The on-site operation was professional and restrained, which is beyond reproach,” the Chinese coast guard said. “China will continue to take necessary measures to firmly safeguard its territorial sovereignty.”

The Philippine military said on Saturday that it would again attempt to deliver basic supplies to its forces in the Second Thomas Shoal, but didn’t provide further details.

The mission “to the shoal is a clear demonstration of our resolve to stand up against threats and coercion and our commitment in upholding the rule of law,” the Armed Forces of the Philippines said in a statement.

Following the incident, Washington renewed a warning that it is obliged to defend its longtime treaty ally if Philippine public vessels and forces come under armed attack, including in the South China Sea.

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ASIA-PACIFIC

US, South Korean troops begin large-scale training in wake of Washington summit

By 

DAVID CHOI

STARS AND STRIPES • August 21, 2023

F-35B Lightning II stealth fighters pack the USS America's flight deck in the Coral Sea, July 31, 2023. (Kelly Agee/Stars and Stripes)

CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea — U.S. and South Korean troops kicked off a semiannual large-scale exercise Monday after the presidents of both countries agreed to expand their alliance during a trilateral summit with Japan.

Ulchi Freedom Shield, an 11-day exercise consisting of around 30 separate drills, has been described by U.S. Forces Korea and South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense as a routine, defensive exercise on land and in the air and sea.

One of the exercise’s key points is “to counter the advancing threats from North Korea,” South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff spokesman army Col. Lee Sung-jun told reporters during a news briefing on Aug. 14.

Details, such as the number of troops involved, had not been disclosed by the ministry as of Monday. USFK, which commands roughly 28,500 troops on the peninsula, regularly declines to provide specifics about their large-scale exercises, citing operational security concerns.

The training began three days after President Joe Biden, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida met at Camp David, the presidential retreat in Maryland.