TOKYO: Two Japanese destroyers arrived in Manila on Saturday for a port visit and in preparation for an exercise with the Philippine Navy in the West Philippine Sea, the part of the South China Sea within the country’s exclusive economic zone.
Philippine Navy public affairs officer Cmdr. Lued Lincuna said JS Harusame and JS Amigiri arrived at Manila South Harbor around 10 am.
Upon arrival, the officers and men of the Japanese ships – carrying about 600 saiolrs – were given a port briefing. Lincuna said Japanese sailors may go out to tourist spots in the country with Filipino personnel escorting them.
During the stay in Manila, the ships’ top officials will pay a courtesy call on Philippine Navy chief Vice Adm. Jesus Millan. Asked if maritime disputes with China will be discussed during the courtesy call, Lincuna said discussion are “likely to focus on tactical matters.”
On Tuesday, the Japanese ships will take part in a passing exercise with Philippine Navy ship BRP Ramon Alcaraz and an AW 109 helicopter aboard it, said Lincuna.
The “passex” exercise will be held in waters between Manila and Subic Bay as the Japanese head home to Japan, said Lincuna. “The exercises we will be having are aimed at fostering camaraderie, as well as enhancing cooperation and interoperability,” he said. The two navies will also be participating in on-ship helicopter operations, cross-deck training, in-port ship store, and discussions on practices.
The exercise is being held as the Philippines, China and four other countries continue their territorial row over Spratly Islands in the South China Sea. The other claimants are Taiwan, Malaysia, Brunei and Vietnam. Japan is also locked in a territorial dispute with China over Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea. China refers to the islands as the Diaoyu Islands.
