The armed forces of the United States, Japan, Australia and the Philippines will conduct “maritime cooperation activities” in the South China Sea this weekend. The countries said in a statement that they are implementing this measure “to enhance regional and international cooperation to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific region.”
This involves a sea and air operation. These activities come just days before a trilateral summit between the leaders of the United States, Japan and the Philippines in Washington, where recent events in the South China Sea will be discussed.
Read also | China wants to calm the situation with the Philippines
For decades, China and the Philippines have disagreed over territorial boundaries in the sea. Both countries claim sovereignty over the same areas in the South China Sea. Tensions have escalated in the region in the past year. China is increasingly claiming maritime areas that are also claimed by the Philippines and Japan.
In March, China and the Philippines clashed several times over incidents at sea. For example, the Philippine Foreign Ministry accused the Chinese Coast Guard of using water cannons against a civilian boat supplying Philippine forces. The boat was damaged and a number of crew members were injured.
Read also | The Chinese Coast Guard continues to “bully” Philippine ships
Last December, a confrontation also broke out: Chinese and Filipino ships clashed in the waters of the South China Sea. The two sides pointed to each other. Coast Guard spokesman Jan Yu called on the Philippines to immediately stop violating the rules. “The Chinese authority will uphold national sovereignty at any cost, including maritime rights,” he said at the time.
