Japan, Philippines to hold first naval drill in South China Sea

Two Japanese warships arrived in the Philippines Saturday to take part in the first naval drill between the two countries in the disputed South China Sea, a navy spokesman said, according to dpa.

The Japanese destroyers Harusame and Amigiri, carrying a total of about 600 sailors, will take part in a passing exercise with Philippine Navy frigate Ramon Alcaraz and a helicopter aboard it, said Commander Lued Lincuna.

The drill will be held in waters of the South China, between Manila and Subic Bay, a former US naval base north of Manila, as the Japanese ships head home on Tuesday, Lincuna said.

The two navies will also conduct other activities such as on-ship helicopter operations and cross-deck training, Lincuna said.

The drill is being held at a time of tensions over territorial disputes in the South China Sea, which is a key shipping lane and believed to be rich in marine and mineral resources.

The Philippines and China have accused each other of conducting illegal reclamation and construction activities in the territories.

China claims the entire South China Sea, while the Philipines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan claim some territories in the area.

Japan is also locked in a territorial dispute with China over the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea.