US, Japan, Australia, and Philippines Conduct Joint Naval Exercises in the South China Sea

MANILA, Philippines – In a significant display of solidarity, the United States, Japan, Australia, and the Philippines conducted their first joint naval exercises in the South China Sea on Sunday. These exercises, which included anti-submarine warfare training and other military maneuvers, aim to deter Beijing’s aggressive actions in the region and safeguard the rule of law.

Issuing a joint statement, the four countries emphasized their commitment to a peaceful and stable Indo-Pacific region and the protection of freedom of navigation and overflight. While the statement did not mention China directly, the four nations reiterated their firm position that a 2016 international arbitration ruling, which invalidated China’s expansive historical claims, remains final and legally binding.

China has consistently rejected the 2016 arbitration ruling and has refused to participate in the proceedings. Its continued aggression in asserting territorial claims has been a major cause for concern. The Philippines, which brought its disputes with China to international arbitration, has taken a leading role in pushing for the rights of nations to peacefully navigate and operate in the South China Sea.

Despite China’s refusal to participate, the four nations responsible for the joint naval exercises aim to reinforce the international order based on the rule of law and undeterred by Beijing’s objections.

The joint military drills, known as the Maritime Cooperative Activity, mark the beginning of a series of activities aimed at enhancing the Philippines’ capacity for individual and collective self-defense. Australia and the United States reaffirmed their commitments to upholding international rules and norms and respecting national sovereignty. Japan, a concerned party with its own territorial disputes with China, emphasized the importance of peace, stability, and international cooperation in the region.

By conducting these exercises, the four nations underscore their shared commitment to ensuring freedom of navigation and the peaceful resolution of disputes in the South China Sea.

The South China Sea, a strategic international trade route, remains a cause of concern for various nations, including Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. While the United States does not claim any territorial rights in the region, it has a long-standing treaty alliance with the Philippines and has pledged to defend its ally in the event of armed aggression, including in the South China Sea.

Japan, as a concerned party with its own territorial disputes in the East China Sea, has consistently asserted the need for peaceful dialogue and adherence to international law. The upcoming summit between President Joe Biden and his Japanese and Philippine counterparts will address these escalating tensions and seek ways to ensure regional stability.

The joint naval exercises in the South China Sea by the United States, Japan, Australia, and the Philippines represent a crucial demonstration of unity and shared commitment to safeguarding regional stability. As China’s assertiveness continues to raise international concerns, these exercises aim to uphold the rule of law, protect freedom of navigation, and ensure the peaceful resolution of disputes. The ongoing dialogue and joint actions by allied nations reflect a determination to maintain a peaceful and stable Indo-Pacific region.