Amid escalating maritime conflict in the waters surrounding the Philippines, joint naval exercises involving Australia, the Philippines, and Japan are set to take place this weekend in a show of solidarity with the Pacific nation.
The ongoing dispute between Manila and Beijing over the South China Sea has prompted Australia to join forces with its allies in a display of support for the Philippines. Beijing’s claims over nearly the entire Sea have led to tensions with neighboring countries, resulting in on-water confrontations and verbal sparring. Most recently, Beijing tried to disrupt supply missions to Filipino soldiers stationed on a grounded warship within its claimed territorial waters.
The joint naval exercises will be held off the coast of Palawan, marking the first full-scale exercise involving all four countries. Australia will deploy the frigate Warramunga and an aircraft, joining a Japanese destroyer and ships from the U.S. and Philippines in the maneuvers.
The drills are part of a broader strategy by the Biden administration to bolster partner nations in the Indo-Pacific region against China’s increasing influence. While Beijing may oppose Australia’s participation, it has maintained its stance on resolving South China Sea disputes bilaterally.
Despite the potential for tensions to escalate, the likelihood of major conflicts breaking out remains low. However, Manila has the option to invoke its mutual defense treaty with Washington if provoked by Beijing’s actions.
Please rewrite the following sentence:
Original: “The cat is sleeping peacefully on the windowsill.”
Rewritten: “Peacefully sleeping on the windowsill is the cat.”
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