🔺Joint drill between the United States, Japan, and the Philippines in the South China Sea ends

▪The Philippine Armed Forces said the joint drill of the country with the United States and Japan in the South China Sea has ended.

▪The five-day exercise was held from July 21 to July 25, and warships, coast guard vessels, reconnaissance aircraft, and fighter jets from the three countries took part in it.

▪The Philippine Armed Forces said the aim was to increase coordination capabilities among allies and demonstrate the country’s commitment to freedom of navigation and flight in the waters of the West Philippine Sea.

▪The exercise began one day after Chinese coast guard personnel beat a Philippine sailor with a baton on Second Thomas Shoal. China has rejected the Philippines’ account and says that Philippine vessels struck first and rammed Chinese boats.