Fact Check: Japan, US, and Philippines conduct joint coast guard drills amid rising sea tensions
What We Know
On June 20, 2025, Japan's coast guard conducted joint exercises with the United States and the Philippines off the coast of Kagoshima, Japan. This event involved approximately 350 personnel from the three nations and was designed to enhance maritime cooperation in response to increasing tensions in the region, particularly concerning China's maritime activities (AP News). The drills simulated scenarios such as vessel collisions and crew rescues, reflecting the growing strategic partnership among these nations (Channel News Asia).
The joint exercises follow a series of escalating maritime tensions in the East and South China Seas, where China has been increasingly assertive. The leaders of Japan, the US, and the Philippines had previously agreed to bolster their maritime cooperation, which began with their first joint drills in the Philippines in 2023 (ABC News).
Analysis
The claim that Japan, the US, and the Philippines conducted joint coast guard drills is supported by multiple credible sources. The Associated Press reported on the drills, highlighting the involvement of coast guard vessels from all three nations and the context of rising tensions due to China's military maneuvers in the region (AP News). Furthermore, Channel News Asia provided additional details on the nature of the exercises and their significance in the context of regional security (Channel News Asia).
The Congressional Research Service (CRS) document also contextualizes the strategic competition in the South and East China Seas, indicating that such joint exercises are part of a broader strategy to counter China's influence (Congress.gov). This aligns with the narrative of increased military collaboration among these nations as a response to perceived threats.
The reliability of the sources is high, as they include established news organizations and official reports. The Associated Press and Channel News Asia are reputable news outlets known for their journalistic integrity, while the CRS is a nonpartisan entity that provides research and analysis to Congress, further enhancing the credibility of the information presented.
Conclusion
The claim that Japan, the US, and the Philippines conducted joint coast guard drills amid rising sea tensions is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that these exercises took place as part of a strategic initiative to strengthen maritime cooperation in response to increasing Chinese assertiveness in the region.
Sources
- Japan hosts coast guard drills with US and Philippines as sea tensions rise
- U.S.-China Strategic Competition in South and East ...
- Japan, US, Philippines simulate crisis in joint coast guard drills amid ...
- Japan hosts coast guard drills with US and Philippines as sea tensions rise
- Philippines, Japan, US Hold Second Round of Joint Coast Guard Exercises ...
