JS Harusame conducted a Japan-Philippine bilateral exercise.

On 29 November, JS Harusame, being deployed as part of the 51st Deployment Surface Force for Counter Piracy Enforcement (DSPE), conducted a Japan-Philippines bilateral exercise as Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) with the Philippine Navy frigate BRP Antonio Luna and the Philippine Air Force C-208 aircraft in the South China Sea.

Through the exercise conducted in the South China Sea, one of our important sea lines of communication, JS Harusame improved its tactical capabilities and strengthened cooperation with the participating navies. Upholding the right of freedom of navigation and overflight, as well as respecting the maritime rights under the international law as reflected in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the MCAs have not only enhanced the security in the region, but also demonstrated our shared values and strong will toward realizing a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific.”

The Self Defense Fleet maintains readiness and contributes to the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region, not only for the defense of Japan but also for the realization of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” in cooperation with allied and like-minded navies.

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