US, Philippines, Japan set to hold first-ever joint naval drills

An American soldier fires a Javelin anti-tank weapon system during a live exercise as part of the annual US-Philippines joint military exercises called Balikatan at Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija province, Philippines, April 13, 2023 [Eloisa Lopez/Reuters]

The coastguards of the United States, Japan and the Philippines are set to launch maritime exercises in the South China Sea, in the first such drills between the three countries at a time of growing concern about China’s activities in the region.

The exercise in waters off the Bataan province of the Philippines will begin on Thursday and last until June 7.