(The Epoch Times) The coast guards of the United States, Japan, and the Philippines conducted their first trilateral maritime drills in the South China Sea to strengthen defense cooperation amid China’s growing assertiveness.
About 400 coast guard personnel from the three nations participated in the week-long Kaagapay exercises, which began on June 1 in the Philippine waters off Bataan province.
The Philippines Coast Guard (PCG) deployed four vessels to the trilateral exercise, while the U.S. and Japanese coast guards deployed two ships—the USCG Cutter Stratton and Akitsushima.
“This first trilateral engagement between the coast guards of these nations will provide invaluable opportunities to strengthen global maritime governance through professional exchanges and combined operations,” Capt. Brian Krautler, the Stratton’s commanding officer, said in a statement.
“Together, we’ll demonstrate professional, rules-based standards of maritime operations with our steadfast partners to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
The drills seek to strengthen interoperability through communication and maneuvering exercises, as well as maritime law enforcement training, search and rescue, and passing exercises, Japan’s coast guard said in a statement… Read More
