The United States, Japan, and the Philippines conducted joint maritime cooperative activities (MCAs) within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) on Friday, a move that follows recent heightened tensions in the disputed South China Sea, Bloomberg reports.
The US Indo-Pacific Command described the exercise as building upon previous collaborations, aimed at enhancing interoperability between the three nations’ armed forces. The statement highlighted the drills’ focus on strengthening doctrines, tactics, techniques, and procedures.
The joint drills come just days after the Philippines reported “aggressive actions” by Chinese vessels against its government ships in contested waters. These incidents involved ramming and the use of water cannons by Chinese ships.
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