US, Philippines to hold war games amid tension in South China Sea
The United States and the Philippines are set to hold naval exercise amid heightened tension in Western Philippine Sea following allegations of intrusion by Chinese Naval personnel in the Philippine-occupied area of the disputed Spratly Islands.....
The report said, "The planned naval exercise, called “Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training” or CARAT, is in accordance with the Mutual Defense Treaty between the Philippines and the US, officials said."
The Philippines said it is preparing a diplomatic protest to the United Nations on the alleged intrusion by China's naval boats in the disputed islands.
A day after the exchange of heated diplomatic notes in Manila, Vietnam has joined the already tense situation by accusing China of their presence in a Vietnam-occupied island where a seismic operation is being conducted. Vietnam claims a Chinese naval boat has caused damage to their seismic equipment and facilities in the area.
Vietnam, in an apparent move to flex its muscle on the disputed sea lanes said it will conduct a live ammunition drill in the area on Monday. The planned military exercise by Vietnam is similar to the scheduled US-Philippine war games in the West Philippine Sea on June 28.
The Spratly Islands are being claimed in whole or in part by several countries in Southeast Asia including China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan, Brunei and the Philippines.
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US, Philippines to hold war games amid tension in South China Sea