Joint Japan-Philippine Flight Over South China Sea Riles China ( Source- The Diplomat / Author- Shannon Tiezzi)
JMSDF P3C Orion ( Source- Wikimedia Commons / Author: Namazu- tron) Source- The Diplomat Author- Shannon Tiezzi A Japanese surveillance plane flew over disputed waters in the South China Sea on Tuesday, as part of joint drills with the Philippines. As The Diplomat reported previously, the Philippines is holding separate drills with the United States and Japan this week, with both exercises held near the South China Sea. The Japan-Philippine drill, only the second ever between the two countries, simulated maritime search and rescue operations, part of the drill’s larger focus on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. As part of the drill, a Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force (MSDF) P3-C Orion surveillance plane flew past Reed Bank, an area claimed by both China and the Philippines. The Japanese plane carried three Philippine crew members on board as guests, and was accompanied by a Philippine patrol aircraft, Reuters reported. Philippine Marine Colonel Jon