Japan joins US – Philippine Drills amid China Sea dispute
August 17, 2015
SUBIC BAY, Philippines: Japan has joined US-led maritime humanitarian exercises of the Philippines for the first time, as concerns mount among the three allies about China’s growing assertiveness in the disputed South China Sea.
A Japanese navy replenishment ship was in Subic Bay, a former U.S. naval base, to refuel a U.S. Navy floating hospital en route to Vietnam for the seven-nation humanitarian mission. It was the first time a Japanese navy ship has taken part in the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief drills from Subic Bay. Japan has participated in past Pacific Partnership missions in other areas.