Japan, US, and Philippines strengthen maritime unity against China

In June 2025, the coast guards of Japan, the United States, and the Philippines participated in joint exercises off Japan's southwest coast. These exercises involved maritime rescue operations, simulating scenarios such as rescuing dummies from the sea and operating helicopters. The drills were a response to increased tensions arising from Chinese activities in disputed waters in the East and South China Seas. The collaboration underscores a growing urgency among these nations to coordinate their maritime strategies in the face of perceived threats from China. Tension in the South China Sea has been a long-standing issue, with China asserting its claims over various regions that are also contested by other Southeast Asian countries. The increasing assertiveness of China in maritime territorial disputes has led Japan, the United States, and the Philippines to strengthen their defense and economic ties. This collaboration is a strategic pivot for Japan, particularly in deepening its alliance with the Philippines, emphasizing a collective approach to regional security challenges. The United States has prioritized its role in the Indo-Pacific, seeing the region as critical for maintaining its global influence. The joint exercises reflect a broader strategy to counterbalance Chinese expansionism, particularly in trade and military influence across Southeast Asia. Historical patterns of U.S. foreign policy in the region show a decline in influence, but this moment represents an attempt to reassert presence and relevance among its allies. Despite the core alignment seen in military exercises, perceptions of U.S. foreign policy in Southeast Asia remain mixed. The United States has faced backlash over various issues such as its support for Israel amid the Gaza conflict and perceptions of its economic engagement being weaker than China's expanding influence in the region. While these exercises aimed to showcase solidarity and preparedness against potential threats, the long-term effectiveness of such drills in restoring U.S. standing in Southeast Asia remains to be seen.