Philippines and allies kick off naval drills amid Asia-Pacific tension. A “show of force” exercise involving forces from Manila, Britain, Canada, Japan, and the United States began Monday and will last for two weeks in the Philippine seas. The drill comes amid rising tensions in the area.
The drills, which include more than 1,800 participants, come in response to Beijing’s decision last week to bar Philippine fishermen from accessing the Scarborough Shoal, the most contentious maritime feature in Asia, which China controls in the South China Sea.
The southern region of the island of Luzon is the location of this year’s “Sama Sama” drills, which include naval training in search and rescue, air defense, and anti-submarine warfare.
During the opening ceremony, rear Admiral Toribio Adaci, head of the Philippine Navy, remarked that “Sama Sama” goes beyond simple military drills with this display of might and the active participation of our friends and partners.
It represents our steadfast alliances and shared dedication to safety and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.
Vice Admiral Karl Thomas, commander of the Seventh Fleet of the United States Navy, made the following statement during his remarks: “It is important that all nations have a right to sail and operate in the West Philippine Sea, free from…being coerced, free from being intimidated.”
The area of the South China Sea that Manila claims as its own is referred to as the West Philippine Sea. Five boats, two from the United States, Britain, Canada, and Japan, joined the drills, which are being held in the Philippines and will last until October 13.
Additionally, participating by sending observers and specialists were the navies of Australia, France, Indonesia, and New Zealand.
“I am confident that no potential aggressor should be under any illusion other than that this is a strong team of nations, a strong team of navies… one navy sailing and operating together,” Thomas continued.
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