Amid tensions in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea) as Beijing continues rapid expansions, Philippines will hold simultaneous naval drills with US and Japan next week.
According to the Philippine Fleet, the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) with the US is set to the east of Palawan from June 18 to 30.
“The exercise aims to conduct combined naval operations in order to enhance inter-operability between the PN and US Navy forces. Furthermore, it will strengthen both navies; combined capabilities in amphibious operations, special operations, surface warfare, and modern naval warfare; enhance information sharing; and will promote relationship and good will,” said Philippine Fleet public affairs officer Lieutenant Liezl Vidallon on Thursday.
The exercises will include helicopter crash and salvage drill and P3-Orion surveillance plane fight.
However with regards to report that this is Ph’s step following closer step of China to the country, Vidallon said the exercises are not related to the South China Sea tension.
“This is not related to the West Philippine Sea. It’s just an annual bilateral training conducted to enhance interoperability between the two parties,” she said.
Slated also next week is the naval drills between Philippine Navy and Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force.
According to the Japanese press release, the naval drills will also be held near the disputed waters.
The Philippine Navy also earlier said that the exercises with Japan are only “incidental” and not aimed against any country, particularly China to which countries have expressed concern on massive reclamation activities.
H/T: Inquirer.net; Photo lifted from Google.