Massive Show of Force in the South China Sea as Rivals Conduct Naval Drills

Philippine, Australian, Japanese, and U.S. warships operate in formation during joint naval exercises in the South China Sea on April 7, 2024. Image via the Australian Navy.

Warships from the U.S., Japan, and Australia joined the Philippine Navy on Sunday for maritime exercises intended to facilitate improved naval cooperation among the four countries and to send a clear message to China.

This was the first time these four countries organized such joint naval exercises, which took place well within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

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