The Philippines appears to be taking inspiration from Vietnam’s multi-alignment strategy in its escalating confrontation with China over disputed territory in the South China Sea.
This week, the Philippines Navy welcomed ports of call from both the Indian and Japanese maritime forces.
The visits come after a weekend of dangerous confrontations in the South China Sea between Chinese and Philippine coast guard and fishing vessels.
Japanese destroyer ship JS Ikazuchi made a port call to Subic in the Philippines on December 8-10, where Commanding Officer Tanaka Hiroaki stressed commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific and repeatedly mentioned the two countries’ alliances with the U.S.
The Indian Navy’s anti-submarine warfare corvette INS Kadmatt arrived in Manila on Tuesday for a two-day “goodwill” visit as part of its regional deployment in the Indo-Pacific.
The INS Kadmatt’s last port visit to the Philippines was in October 2017.
The Indian warship and the Philippine Navy’s BRP Ramon Alcaraz on Wednsday conducted a “maritime partnership exercise” in the South China Sea.
Official Statements From Both Visitors:
- JAPAN: “As both Japan and the Philippines are allies of the U.S., the Philippine not only shares universal value such as freedom, democracy, and rules-based order, but also is a like-minded country for the realization of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific … The Self Defense Fleet maintains readiness, puts all its efforts to defend Japan by enhancing the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. Alliance.” —Commanding Officer Tanaka Hiroaki
- INDIA: “We have a shared interest in peace and stability of the region. So you will expect that India will continue a strong navy and maritime security engagement … “We fully support our Philippine friends in their efforts to ensure that whatever happens in the seas respects the constitution of the seas.” —Indian Ambassador to the Philippines, Shambhu Kumaran
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT? Vietnam, Japan, and now the Philippines are ramping up regional partnerships as tensions with China grow. The port visits follow a slew of joint military exercises and patrols with a number of regional players and Anglophone-nation partners, as well as strengthened Indian-U.S. ties.
SUGGESTED READING
- Philippine Star: Indian Warship Arrives In Manila For Port Visit by Ian Laqui
- Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force: JS IKAZUCHI made a port call at Subic, the Republic of Philippines
