WASHINGTON: Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force is slated to conduct its first joint naval patrols with the United States and the Philippines in the South China Sea this year, U.S. media outlet Politico reported Friday.

The three countries’ leaders are expected to reach an agreement on the joint patrols at a trilateral summit in Washington on April 11.

The move is aimed at countering China’s coercive behavior in the South China Sea. Chinese coast guard ships have been increasingly engaging in dangerous acts, such as colliding with Philippine vessels and injuring Philippine crew members with water cannons.

The joint patrols are likely to elicit objections from Beijing, which claims sovereignty over much of the region.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who assumed office in 2022, has reversed the China-leaning diplomatic policy of his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, and is seeking to strengthen ties with Tokyo and Washington.

The three countries have been promoting cooperation in maritime security. Their coast guards held their first joint drills last June.

Meanwhile, the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden has been working to create a network of U.S. allies in the Indo-Pacific region, hoping to expand the role of such allies as Japan. The upcoming trilateral summit, to be held at the initiative of the United States, is aimed at accelerating such efforts.

Politico also reported that the White House is considering making Japan a partner in advanced technology cooperation under the AUKUS security framework between the United States, Britain, and Australia.

JIJI Press