TOKYO (AP) – Japan's coast guard conducted a joint exercise on Friday with counterparts from the United States and the Philippines, reflecting a growing defense collaboration among these three Pacific nations in response to China's increasing maritime assertiveness. The joint operation was held in the waters off Kagoshima, Japan's southern prefecture, and involved approximately 350 personnel from the participating countries.
The backdrop of this exercise is significant, as Japan recently identified that two Chinese aircraft carriers operated together in the Pacific for the first time in June 2023. Tensions escalated following an incident where a Chinese fighter jet from one of these carriers flew dangerously close to Japanese reconnaissance aircraft, leading both countries to issue complaints against each other. This incident underscores the rising military activities in the region, particularly by China.
This particular coast guard exercise was designed around a simulated scenario involving a collision of vessels at sea, a fire outbreak, and crew members falling overboard. Such drills are intended to enhance cooperation among the coast guards and prepare them for real-life contingencies that may arise in the increasingly complex maritime environment.
In light of ongoing regional tensions, the leaders of Japan, the United States, and the Philippines agreed last year to strengthen their maritime cooperation. Their discussions came amidst shared concerns regarding China's military maneuvers in the Asia-Pacific region. The first joint drills among the three nations took place in the Philippines in 2023, signifying the commitment to create a unified front in response to regional security challenges.
Admiral Yoshio Seguchi, the Japan Coast Guard commander, emphasized the importance of this cooperation in promoting a "free and open" Indo-Pacific region. He articulated that mutual understanding and trust among the country's coast guards are essential for maintaining stability in maritime domains.
China continues to send its coast guard vessels, warships, and aircraft around disputed islands in the East China Sea, frequently escalating tensions with surrounding nations. Recently, Chinese vessels have ventured as far as Guam, a U.S. territory with significant military presence. The South China Sea, claimed almost entirely by Beijing, also sees regular confrontations between Chinese coast guard vessels and those of the Philippines, illustrating the extent of maritime conflicts in the region.
The practice of conducting joint exercises and strengthening maritime partnerships among Japan, the United States, and the Philippines is indicative of a proactive approach to countering potential threats and ensuring the safety of shipping routes in the Indo-Pacific area. This trilateral cooperation not only aims to address immediate security concerns but also seeks to establish long-term stability in a region marked by geopolitical rivalry.
