Man overboard, ship collision - for five days, Japan, the US and the Philippines simulated crisis situations during naval exercises in the disputed waters of the China Sea, Agence France-Presse reported, BTA reported.
This was the second joint exercise of this type between the three countries. The first was organized in the Philippines in 2023. The exercises that have already ended were held off the southwestern coast of Japan, near the city of Kagoshima. They are being held after the three countries warned about China's actions in the South China Sea.
Beijing claims almost the entire territory of this sea, despite the 2016 decision of the international court, according to which its claims have no legal basis, AFP recalls. The sea has been a scene of confrontations between China and the Philippines for years. There have also been regular clashes between Chinese and Japanese patrol boats around disputed islands in the East China Sea.
Amidst these tensions, dozens of people took part in joint exercises by Japan, the United States and the Philippines this week. On the last day, the three allied countries mobilized one ship from each of their coast guards: the patrol ship "Teresa Magbanua" for the Philippines, the "Stratton" for the United States and the patrol ship Asanagi for Japan.
The culmination of the five-day exercise was yesterday, when a person was simulated falling into the sea. After the dummy ended up in the water, recognizable by its bright red life jacket, an American drone took off from the "Stratton" and flew over the area. Then from the ship "Teresa Magbanua" A small Philippine boat was sent to the dummy to retrieve it before the coast guard.
Other scenarios simulating rescue operations were also presented during the exercises: a man being rescued at sea by a Japanese helicopter, a collision between two boats and a fire on a ship that three Japanese coast guard boats extinguished with water cannons.
According to officials, the maneuvers are not officially aimed at any specific country, but the rhetoric used echoes that of Washington and its allies, indirectly referring to China. Naofumi Tsumura, head of the Japanese coast guard, said they allowed the three countries to "strengthen mutual understanding and trust".
Last year, Tokyo, Manila and Washington issued a strongly worded joint statement against Beijing, AFP recalls. "We express our deep concern over the dangerous and aggressive behavior of the People's Republic of China in the South China Sea," it said.