US, Japan, Australia and Philippines to hold South China Sea exercises
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The defense forces of the U.S., Japan, Australia, and the Philippines will conduct maritime cooperative activity on April 7 in the South China Sea. The one-day exercises will involve communication activities and officer of the watch maneuvers in Manila's exclusive economic zone. The participating countries aim to support a free and open Indo-Pacific amid China's growing assertiveness in the waterway. The activity will strengthen the interoperability of the countries' armed forces doctrines, tactics, techniques, and procedures. The four nations have reaffirmed their position that the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Tribunal Award is final and legally binding. The maritime activity takes place days before a summit between the leaders of Japan, the U.S., and the Philippines, which will include a discussion of recent incidents in the South China Sea.



https://www.investing.com/news/world-news/us-japan-australia-and-philippines-to-hold-south-china-sea-exercises-3368388