Japan Fires Missile in U.S., Allies Drill in Northern Philippines, Facing South China Sea

A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) Type 88 surface-to-ship missile launcher fires during the Joint Task Force (JTF) Maritime Strike, part of Balikatan, the annual joint military exercises between the United States and the Philippines, at Culili Point Sand Dunes, Paoay, Ilocos Norte province, Philippines, May 6, 2026. REUTERS/Noel Celis TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) Type 88 surface-to-ship missile launcher fires during the Joint Task Force (JTF) Maritime Strike, part of Balikatan, the annual joint military exercises between the United States and the Philippines, at Culili Point Sand Dunes, Paoay, Ilocos Norte province, Philippines, May 6, 2026. REUTERS/Noel Celis

Japan’s Self-Defense Forces fired a Type 88 anti-ship missile during a joint maritime exercise with U.S., Australian, and Philippines forces on Wednesday, hitting a decommissioned Philippines Navy ship in waters facing the South China Sea.

The drill took place as Manila and Tokyo began talks on a potential defense equipment transfer, made possible by Japan’s decision to scrap restrictions on military exports.

  • Get a daily email packed with the latest news and analysis from Africa, Asia, and across the Global South.
  • Read exclusive insights on the key trends shaping China’s relations across the Global South.
  • Full access to the News Feed that provides daily updates on Chinese engagement in the Global South.

China, Africa and the Global South... find out what’s happening.

Subscribe today for unlimited access.

OR

Already a subscriber? Log in Click Here to Learn More
by Reuters

Most Read

1
Developing Countries’ Debt Servicing Costs to China Are Significant, but Nowhere Near as Much as Other Creditors
2
Uncertainty Roils Minerals Markets
3 Chinese Scholars See Russia’s Venezuela Strategy as a Model of Hybrid Power Projection in the U.S.’ Backyard
4 India Forced to Pay Russia in Yuan, Handing China an Unexpected Win
5 From J-10C to Kaan? Indonesia’s Fighter Jet Deal With Turkey Shocks Chinese Military Fans
6 Chinese Military Fans Discuss Why Indonesia Bought Rafale Instead of J-10C

You Might Like

Chinese, Philippines Coast Guard Squabble Over South China Sea Fishers’ Rescue

A dispute broke out between the Chinese and Philippines Coast Guards on Saturday when a Filipino fishing craft issued a distress call after its engine exploded near the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the ...

Growing Concern in Asia That China-Philippines Stand-Off Could Escalate Into Full-Scale International Conflict

The steadily escalating confrontation between China and the Philippines over disputed maritime territories in the South China Sea is prompting new anxieties in Asia that the feud could trigger a much larger conflict ...

Marcos: Philippines Not Looking For Trouble With China, Vows to Defend Against Incursions

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. issued a conciliatory yet firm message to China that his country does not want to provoke a confrontation over disputed territories in the South China Sea, but he will ...

Philippines Digs in Heels in South China Sea While Also Cautioning Restraint

The Philippines appears to be employing a strategy of resolve and restraint in the South China Sea amid some of the most dangerous confrontations with China in recent memory. Manila said it will ...

What is The China-Global South Project?

Independent

The China-Global South Project is passionately independent, non-partisan and does not advocate for any country, company or culture.

News

A carefully curated selection of the day’s most important China-Global South stories. Updated 24 hours a day by human editors. No bots, no algorithms.

Analysis

Diverse, often unconventional insights from scholars, analysts, journalists and a variety of stakeholders in the China-Global South discourse.

Networking

A unique professional network of China-Africa scholars, analysts, journalists and other practioners from around the world.

More about CGSP
Detected IP: ...