Japan hosts multi-nation naval exercise, Philippines invited as observer

News Snapshot:

In an effort to foster deeper maritime cooperation, the Philippines will be witnessing the joint annual military drill for the first time, as announced by the Japanese navy on Saturday. Vice Admiral Akira Saito of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force told reporters that the United States, Australia, and Canada led the exercise known as Annualex, which began on Friday with operations carried out by their naval forces and the Philippines participating as an observer. Saito stated, “We view the Philippines as a very important country and we are looking to coordinate with their navy at every possible opportunity,” while the...