Japan, the United States and Australia are considering sending their vessels carrying aircraft to the Philippines to conduct a trilateral naval drill next week in the South China Sea, sources close to the matter said Friday.
The planned exercise set for Wednesday comes amid mounting tensions between China and the Philippines after a Chinese coast guard vessel fired a water cannon at a Philippine military-chartered boat near the Manila-controlled Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea earlier this month.
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force has decided to send its largest destroyer, the Izumo, which is set to become a de facto aircraft carrier after undergoing additional renovation slated to begin next year or 2025, according to the sources.
The Royal Australian Navy will deploy its amphibious assault ship Canberra, while the U.S. Navy is expected to send its amphibious assault ship America, the sources said.
Through the envisaged joint exercise, including aircraft takeoff and landing practices using the decks of the three ships, the United States and its security allies aim to show commitment to upholding “freedom of navigation,” according to the sources.
The Izumo plans to make a port call next Friday at Manila, the sources said.
Source : Kyodo News