US, Philippines, Japan set to hold first-ever joint naval drills
The coastguards of the United States, Philippines and the Japan are set to launch maritime exercises in the South China Sea, in the first such drills between the three countries at a time of growing concern about China's activities in the region.
The naval exercise in waters off the Bataan province of the Philippines will begin on Thursday and last until June 7.
The drills come as United States ramps up military diplomacy in the region, staging more frequent war games with allies and partners in the South China Sea, the waters around Taiwan as well as the western Pacific.
China, too, has increased drills in the strategic waterways. China is also planning a joint drill with some countries of the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), including Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. The exercise are named Amana Youyi-2023.
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