Philippines, allies kick off Asia-Pacific naval drills amid tension with China

Two weeks of combined naval exercises between the armed forces of Manila, Britain, Canada, Japan, and the United States began on Monday as a “show of force” amid escalating tension in the region. 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 is controlled by China 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 defence, and anti-submarine warfare. “With this show of force and active engagement of our allies and partners, ‘Sama Sama’ transcends mere military exercises,” Philippine navy chief Rear Admiral Toribio Adaci said at the opening event. “It is a symbol of our enduring partnerships and our shared commitment to security 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 each 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 navy of Australia, France, Indonesia, and New Zealand. “I am confident that no potential aggressor should be under any illusion other than this is a strong team of nations, a strong team of navies … one navy sailing and operating together,” Thomas added. (With agency inputs)