MANILA, Philippines (AP) – The United States, Japan, Australia and the Philippines will hold their first joint naval exercise on Sunday, including anti-submarine warfare training, in the South China Sea, where Beijing has been increasingly aggressive. Territorial claims are causing alarm.
The four treaty allies and security partners are conducting exercises to uphold the “rule of law that is the foundation of a peaceful and stable Indo-Pacific region” and protect freedom of navigation and overflight, the defense announced. said in a joint statement. Chiefs on Saturday.
Although the statement did not mention China by name, the four countries reaffirmed China's position. 2016 International Arbitration JudgmentThe ruling, which invalidates a wide range of China's claims on historical grounds, is now final and legally binding.
China refuses to participate in the arbitration, rejects the ruling, and continues to defy it. The Philippines took its dispute with China to international arbitration in 2013 after a tense standoff at sea.
There was no immediate comment from the Chinese side.
Last year, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned: Military exercises involving the United States an ally that harms its security and territorial interests in the disputed waters;
The four countries said they would “cooperate with all nations in safeguarding the international order based on the rule of law, which is the foundation of a peaceful and stable Indo-Pacific region,” but the specific details of the drills, called military exercises, were not provided. Didn't make it clear. maritime cooperation activities.
Japan announced in a statement released by its embassy in Manila that it will send its destroyer, the Akebono, to participate in South China Sea exercises, including anti-submarine warfare training and other military exercises.
Defense Minister Minoru Kihara said in a statement: “Japan believes that issues related to the South China Sea are directly related to peace and stability in the region and are a legitimate concern of the international community, including Japan, Australia, the Philippines, and the United States.'' Ta.
“Japan opposes any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo by force, or any such attempt or any action that increases tensions in the South China Sea.”
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said in a separate statement that the exercise “underscores our shared commitment to ensuring that all nations are free to fly, navigate, and operate as international law allows.” Stated.
Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles said: “Respect for national sovereignty and agreed rules and norms under international law underpin stability in our region.” Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said Sunday's military training will be the first in a series of activities to build the Philippines' “individual and collective self-defense capabilities.”
The long-simmering dispute in the South China Sea, a key global trade route, also involves China and the Philippines, as well as Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan. However, skirmishes between Beijing and Manila have particularly intensified since last year.
Washington does not claim rights to strategic sea routes, but has repeatedly said so. He warned that he had an obligation to protect the Philippines, a long-time treaty ally. If the Philippine military, ships, or aircraft come under armed attack, including in the South China Sea.
China has warned the United States not to intervene in the conflict, raising concerns that it could escalate into a major conflict involving the two world powers.
Japan has separate territorial issues with China. Islands in the East China Sea. Rising tensions in the disputed waters will be a priority topic for President Joe Biden when he invites the presidents of Japan and the Philippines. Summit meeting at the White House next week.
In the most recent battle last month, Chinese coast guards used water cannon, injuring a Philippine admiral and four naval personnel, and destroying a wooden supply ship near the area. Second Thomas Scholl. Philippine military officials said the cannon explosion was so powerful that the crew fell through the floor, but instead of diving into the sea, they hit a wall.
The Philippine government summoned diplomats from the Chinese embassy in Manila and conveyed its “strongest protest” against China. Beijing accused the Philippine vessel of intruding into Chinese territorial waters, warned Manila not to “play with fire” and said China would continue to take action to protect its sovereignty.
