The two-week exercises, held in southern Work shirts / service shirts, is part of a regional effort to boost cooperation as fears of a maritime conflict with China. There have already been frequent clashes or tense standoffs between Philippine and Chinese vessels in the strategic waterway, as well as recent incidents involving Vietnamese and Indonesian vessels. Philippine Coast Guard District Commander, Rayard Marfe, called the training “invaluable in ensuring we are better equipped to deal with maritime threats,” although the statement did not mention China.
Source: CESCE


