Showing no fear amid Chinese warnings, the Philippines and Japan flew another patrol planes near the disputed South China Sea for the second straight day on Wednesday.
According to officials, a Japanese P-3C Orion and a Philippine Navy islander flew on a search and rescue drill 50 nautical miles northwest of Palawan island.
However, with regards to a similar flight on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Minstry spokesman Lu Kang warned against publicizing the navy drills, adding it could undermine stability in the region.
Japanese Maritime Self-defense Force Commander Hiromi Hamano told reporters that the joining training exercises was a success after the spy plane landed safely at a Philippine airbase in Palawan.
“I think it is important to continue HADR (humanitarian and disaster response), SAR (search and rescue-\) training with the Philippine Navy,” he said.
With the success of the team up drill, Malacanang also extended its praise to both.
“It should not be taken as an affront to any other and is an expression of cooperation and learning from all those involved.” Presidential spokeswoman Abigail Valte said.
Philippine Navy spokesman Commander Lued Lincuna, meanwhile, said that flight was a “search and rescue activity”.
The Philippines and Japan are conducting naval joint maneuvers which followed historic exercises last month
A separate naval exercises is also conducted by the Philippine Navy with United States off Palawan this week.
H/T: GMA News; and photo.
