Tensions Rise As 5 Nations Conduct Joint Maritime Drills Alongside China In South China Sea

The Philippines, Australia, U.S., Japan, and New Zealand forces conducted combined maritime operations in the South China Sea, while China conducted its own military training in the disputed territory on September 28, 2024.

Per the Philippine armed forces, the exercises were conducted within Manila’s exclusive economic zone with an aim to improve interoperability among the five nations’ militaries.

The drills involved key vessels, such as the Philippine Navy’s USS Howard, Japan’s JS Sazanami, and New Zealand’s HMNZS Aotearoa.

According to Australia’s Department of Defence, these exercises proved the nations’ commitment to strengthening regional and international collaboration, ensuring a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

This joint operation follows many previous clashes between the Philippines and China in disputed South China Sea areas, including the Scarborough Shoal, which has been controlled by China’s coast guard for more than ten years.

Just days before, on Wednesday, naval vessels from New Zealand and Australia went through the Taiwan Strait, escalating regional tensions.

Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong reiterated the nation’s continuous efforts to persuade China to uphold peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea during her speech to the U.N. General Assembly.

She welcomed the resumption of military and leadership talks between China and the United States.

China, which claims nearly the entire South China Sea, started its military exercises in the disputed areas immediately after its top diplomat discussed possible methods to de-escalate tensions with his U.S. counterpart.

Despite overlapping territory claims from Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, China has maintained its dominance in the region.

Reference: Reuters