Amid tensions with China, Philippines holds major naval exercise with several countries

The Philippine military said on September 27 that the SAMASAMA exercise will last 12 days, starting on October 2.

The location is off the coast of Sorsogon and Catanduanes provinces in Luzon island.

Giữa căng thẳng với Trung Quốc, Philippines tập trận hải quân lớn với nhiều nước - Ảnh 1.

Philippine Navy maritime forces conduct exercises in May. Photo: ABS-CBN

According to GMA channel, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force will deploy the destroyer Akebono for training with the destroyer Antonio Luna of the Philippine Navy and two ships of the US Navy, including the guided-missile destroyer Dewey and the cargo ship Wally Schirra.

According to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, naval vessels from Canada and Britain will also participate.

About 170 Japanese soldiers will take part in the exercise, along with 240 soldiers from Australia. Some soldiers from France, New Zealand and Indonesia will also participate.

The Philippine military said the annual exercise will include anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare operations, among other activities.

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force has participated in the SAMASAMA exercise in previous years. Last month, Japan sent the destroyers Izumo and Samidare to conduct joint exercises with the US, Australia and the Philippines in the South China Sea.

In a related development, the Philippine coast guard called on fishermen to continue operating at Scarborough Shoal and other areas in the South China Sea, pledging to increase patrols there despite China's presence.

According to Reuters news agency, Philippine coast guard spokesman Jay Tarriela said that Philippine ships cannot maintain a constant presence but is committed to protecting the rights of fishermen in the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Giữa căng thẳng với Trung Quốc, Philippines tập trận hải quân lớn với nhiều nước - Ảnh 3.

A member of the Philippine Coast Guard cuts a buoy-line fence near Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. Photo: Philippine Coast Guard

On September 25, the Philippine coast guard cut a 300-meter-long buoy fence that China installed at Scarborough Shoal, a shoal located within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone but disputed by China.

Philippine Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro said the Philippines' cutting of the buoy wire fence was not a provocative act.

In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin criticized the Philippines’ actions on September 27. Hu Bo, director of the Beijing-based South China Sea Strategic Situation Probing Initiative (SCSPI), said Beijing would not make concessions on the issue of Scarborough Shoal.

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