Philippines and Japan Strengthen Ties with Joint Drills Amid South China Sea Tensions

In a show of growing defense cooperation, the Philippines and Japan recently conducted joint drills in the contested waters of the South China Sea. At the same time, China held its own sea and air patrols, intensifying focus on the disputed maritime region.

The Chinese military's Southern Theater Command organized the patrols, underlining their readiness to manage any military activity that might escalate tensions or result in regional instability, according to spokesperson Colonel Tian Junli, as reported by the Global Times.

Conversely, the Philippines and Japan's collaborative naval exercise highlights the strengthening of their military ties under a newly ratified Reciprocal Access Agreement. This joint activity marks the second bilateral maritime drill in the West Philippine Sea carried out by the nations, underscoring their strengthened alliance amidst the ongoing territorial disputes.

(With inputs from agencies.)