US, Japan, Philippines and Australia military action in South China Sea

The armed forces of the United States, Japan, Australia and the Philippines will conduct “maritime cooperation operations” in the South China Sea this weekend. The countries said in a statement that the move was to “strengthen regional and international cooperation to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific region”.

It involved a naval and air operation. The moves come days ahead of a trilateral summit in Washington between the leaders of the US, Japan and the Philippines, where the latest incidents in the South China Sea will be discussed.

Also Read | China wants to cool down the situation with the Philippines

For decades, China and the Philippines have disagreed over the territorial boundaries of the sea. Both countries claim sovereignty over the same areas in the South China Sea. Tension has increased in the region for the past one year. China increasingly claims maritime areas that are also claimed by the Philippines and Japan.

In March, China and the Philippines clashed several times over incidents at sea. For example, the Philippine Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused the Chinese Coast Guard of using a water cannon against a civilian boat carrying supplies to Philippine troops. The boat was damaged and several crew members were injured.

Also Read | Chinese Coast Guard Continues to 'Bully' Philippine Ships

Last December there was a conflict: Chinese and Philippine ships collided in the waters of the South China Sea. Both parties pointed at each other. Coast Guard spokesperson Khan Yu called on the Philippines to immediately stop violating the rules. “Chinese power will uphold national sovereignty at any cost, including maritime rights,” he said at the time.