Trilateral coastguard exercises by Japan, US, and Philippines in South China Sea
The trilateral maritime exercise in the South China Sea between the coast guards of the United States, Japan, and the Philippines marked a major stepping stone towards trilateral cooperation and coordination in maritime law enforcement, security, and safety, search, and rescue, and passing exercises. The exercise, which took place from June 1 to 7, 2023, was initiated by the Philippines and aimed to build interoperability among the three nations, deter unilateral actions by China, and enhance the collective ability of the three coastal states to tackle regional challenges. While the trilateral exercise is a positive development towards regional stability and security, it raises several questions regarding its implications for the region and its significance for the international system.
However, before addressing these questions, it is crucial to delve into the details of this exercise. Firstly, the exercise was participated in by the United States, Japan, and the Philippines, showcasing the commitment of these nations to regional security. It started on June 1, 2023, and lasted for 7 days, taking place in the vicinity of the Philippines' maritime borders in the South China Sea, specifically in the Sulu and Celebes Seas. Organized and initiated by the Philippines, the exercise aimed to strengthen cooperation and coordination among the three coast guards. During the exercise, the coast guards of the three nations conducted a series of activities, including joint patrols, communication drills, maritime interdiction exercises, search, and rescue, and passing exercises(Lema, 2023). These activities were carefully designed to enhance interoperability and coordination, identify areas of cooperation and opportunities for future engagements, and increase the collective ability of the coastal states to address regional challenges(Lema, 2023).
Background
The South China Sea has witnessed an increase in military activities and territorial disputes in recent years, leading to heightened tensions among coastal states. China has laid claim to much of the sea, including several islands and reefs, while other nations such as Vietnam and the Philippines also claim parts of the sea. These claims have led to territorial disputes and increased the risk of military conflict in the region.
Apart from that, the South China Morning Post said that the trilateral maritime drill between the United States, Japan, and the Philippines was prompted by a number of factors(Pitlo, 2023). For the Philippines, a defense capacity shortfall and a significant power asymmetry with China continue to drive interest in minilaterals like this exercise, as well as other initiatives such as the Quad and Aukus. The Philippines seeks to bolster its security capabilities and enhance cooperation with its allies to navigate the challenges posed by its territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
For Japan, there is a desire to keep the United States engaged in the region and its pursuit of becoming a "normal country" and a security provider. Deepening involvement in minilaterals such as the trilateral exercise helps Japan strengthen its regional partnerships and contribute to regional security and stability(Pitlo, 2023).
For the United States, revitalized alliance ties and maintaining a strong presence in the Indo-Pacific region are crucial in its long-term strategic competition with China. The trilateral exercise, along with other cooperative initiatives, allows the United States to demonstrate its commitment to its allies, strengthen regional security cooperation, and assert its interests in the South China Sea(Pitlo, 2023).
Implications of the Trilateral Exercise for Regional Security:
The trilateral exercise has several significant implications for regional security. One important implication is that it strengthens cooperation among coastal states and reduces the risk of conflict. In April 2023, two patrol vessels of the Philippine Coast Guard, BRP Malapascua (MRRV-4402) and BRP Malabrigo (MRRV-4403), encountered a Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) Type 054A frigate, hull number 549, 7 nautical miles from Pag-asa Island, which is part of the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea. The Philippine Coast Guard reported that the Chinese warship nearly collided with the BRP Malapascua during the incident(Mahadzir, 2023). So, by conducting joint exercises a month after this incident, the three nations were signalling to China that they are united and prepared to respond to any unilateral actions with a show of force. This also sends a clear message to other nations in the region that countries with shared interests in maintaining peace, security, and stability in the South China Sea will work together.
Additionally, the trilateral exercise can be seen as a positive development towards building a rules-based international order. By emphasizing the importance of respecting international law, multilateralism, and cooperation, the trilateral exercise reinforces the norms and values that underpin the international order. This is especially important in the context of the South China Sea dispute, which has been characterized by China's disregard for these norms and values. By conducting the exercise within the framework of international law and norms, the trilateral exercise sends a message to China that its actions will not go unchallenged.
Another implication of the exercise is that it strengthens the alliance and partnership between the United States and its allies in the region. The participation of Japan and the Philippines in the exercise demonstrates their commitment to the US-led security architecture in the Indo-Pacific region. This is particularly significant given the strategic importance of the South China Sea, which serves as a vital trade route and a geopolitical hotspot.
While the trilateral exercise is a positive development for regional security, it also raises several intricacies that need to be addressed. One of these intricacies is the potential response of China to the exercise. China has repeatedly criticized joint exercises by foreign militaries in the South China Sea, viewing them as an infringement of its sovereignty and an attempt to contain its rise. Furthermore, the exercise also raises the question of its impact on the South China Sea dispute. While the trilateral exercise is not directly aimed at resolving the territorial disputes in the region, it sends a strong message that countries with shared interests in maintaining peace, security, and stability in the South China Sea are united and prepared to protect their interests. This could potentially motivate other coastal states to take a similar stance and challenge China's claims to the sea.
But, overall, the trilateral maritime exercise in the South China Sea represents a step in the right direction towards building a peaceful and secure region and serves as a reminder of the importance of international norms and cooperation in achieving such a goal.
References
- Lema, K. (2023, May 29). Philippines, U.S., Japan to hold first-ever joint coast guard exercise. Retrieved from Reuters: https://www.reuters.com/world/philippines-us-japan-hold-first-ever-joint-coast-guard-exercise-2023-05-29/
- Mahadzir, D. (2023, May 01). Philippine Coast Guard Cutters, Chinese Warship Almost Collide in South China Sea. Retrieved from USNI News: https://news.usni.org/2023/05/01/philippine-coast-guard-cutters-chinese-warship-almost-collide-in-south-china-sea
- Pitlo, L. (2023, June 12). Coastguard drills with Philippines, Japan the latest sign of US-driven security cooperation. Retrieved from South China Morning Post : https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3223752/coastguard-drills-philippines-japan-latest-sign-us-driven-security-cooperation
Pic Courtsey-Jonny Gios at unsplash.com
(The views expressed are those of the author and do not represent views of CESCUBE.)
