Japan hosts multi-nation naval exercise, Philippines invited as observer

In an effort to foster deeper maritime cooperation, the Philippines will be witnessing the joint annual military drill for the first time, as announced by the Japanese navy on Saturday. Vice Admiral Akira Saito of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force told reporters that the United States, Australia, and Canada led the exercise known as Annualex, which began on Friday with operations carried out by their naval forces and the Philippines participating as an observer. Saito stated, “We view the Philippines as a very important country and we are looking to coordinate with their navy at every possible opportunity,” while the USS Carl Vinson was sailing in the Pacific Ocean in an undisclosed location. Although Saito stated that the operations are not being carried out to target any particular nation, the exercise coincides with the United States, Japan, and the Philippines seeking stronger security cooperation and closer ties in order to counter China. Japan announced last week that it would strengthen the security of the Philippines by giving it radar systems. Additionally, the two nations declared that talks towards a reciprocal military access agreement would begin. According to Saito, 30 ships and 40 aircraft will be involved in the 10-day operations. China and the Philippines have been at odds for some weeks now; in October, there was a collision, and last month, Japanese and Chinese ships engaged in combat in the East China Sea. In a related development, the Philippine Coast Guard announced on Saturday that it would continue its routine supply runs to soldiers stationed on a disputed atoll in the South China Sea, despite its expectation of receiving additional Chinese vessels in the region. (With agency inputs)