US - Japan - Philippines conduct military exercises in the East Sea, say Chinese ships approach

Spokesperson of the Southern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), Colonel Tian Junli, said on March 28 that the force conducted a patrol in the East Sea, the same day that US, Japanese and Philippine warships held joint exercises.

US destroyer USS Shoup and Japanese frigate JS Noshiro (left) during a military exercise with the Philippines in the South China Sea on March 28.

According to the Global Times , Mr. Thien accused the Philippines of frequently calling for outside support to organize joint patrols, while also propagating claims, increasing regional instability.

He warned Manila to stop "provocative" and "escalating tensions" actions, stressing that relying on outside forces "will not bring results".

On the same day, the US, Japan and the Philippines held naval exercises in the South China Sea. According to AP, the exercises aimed at enhancing crisis preparedness and took place near Scarborough Shoal. The news agency said a Chinese escort ship tried to approach the exercise area but was warned by a Philippine warship via radio.

"At one point they tried to move closer but again we engaged them," Commander Irvin Ian Robles told reporters on the Philippine frigate BRP Jose Rizal.

China has not commented on this information.

Chinese naval ship number 574 near the US, Japan and Philippines exercise area on March 28.

During a visit to Manila the same day, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the US would exempt $500 million from the foreign aid freeze to help the Philippines upgrade its military capabilities.

Minister Hegseth met with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro on March 28. This is Mr. Hegseth's first trip to Asia as minister. He is expected to visit Japan.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in Manila on March 28

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/my-nhat-philippines-tap-tran-tai-bien-dong-noi-tau-trung-quoc-tiep-can-18525032910431204.htm