Both nations face a challenge from China’s growing assertiveness over territorial claims in the South China Sea and the East China Sea, where it uses coast guard and fishing vessels to press into disputed areas. Wednesday’s drill was the first held by Japan and the Philippines after signing a strategic partnership pact in 2012. The exercises in Manila Bay were watched by the coast guard chiefs of 17 Asian nations, including China, who are meeting to find ways to cooperate in boosting safety and battling piracy and transnational crime.

Santos, T. G. (2015, May 7). PH Japan hold first antipiracy exercise. Philippine Daily Inquirer, pp. A1, A4.