U.S.-Philippine Joint Military Exercises: SDF Urged to Enhance Deterrent Power through Participation

Editorial

17:59 JST, May 8, 2026

China, which has declared itself a “maritime power,” has repeatedly engaged in provocative actions in the East and South China Seas and elsewhere. It is no longer possible to protect maritime security by relying solely on the United States.

Japan should actively engage in multilateral cooperation to increase its capabilities to deter China’s attempts to unilaterally alter the status quo. The Self-Defense Forces must take advantage of their full-blown participation in the latest military exercises as an opportunity to deepen coordination with the armed forces of other nations and improve their response capabilities.

The military exercises jointly conducted by the U.S. and Philippine militaries in the South China Sea and elsewhere began April 20 and were to run through Friday. These exercises, which also include Australia and Canada, saw the first-ever participation of operative units from the SDF.

All three SDF branches — ground, maritime and air — participated in the joint training focused on preventing amphibious landings on remote islands, among other drills. The GSDF conducted live-fire exercises using surface-to-ship guided missiles. The number of SDF personnel participating reportedly reached 1,400.

The SDF’s rapid response capability will improve if the operational status of each other’s equipment and the chain of command can be understood among the uniformed personnel of the countries through practical training.

The United States has diverted some of its military forces previously deployed in this region to the attack on Iran. Under the circumstances, it is feared that a power vacuum may be created.

It is important for Japan to continue stressing to the United States that the deterrent power of U.S. forces is essential to stability in Asia, while at the same time deepening multilateral cooperation.

In recent years, China has been building artificial islands in the South China Sea and transforming them into military bases. In 2024, a Chinese air force jet fired flares as a warning at a Philippine plane near the Philippine coast, over waters that China and the Philippines are in a territorial dispute.

The Bashi Channel between Taiwan and the Philippines is a crucial waterway for the transport of crude oil and other goods. Should this channel be blockaded in the event of matters such as a crisis involving Taiwan, the impact on Japan would be incalculable.

The SDF participated in these joint exercises last year but with a limited contingent of personnel. An agreement between Japan and the Philippines that came into effect last autumn has simplified procedures for obtaining visas for personnel and carrying weapons and ammunition. This has made full-scale participation in the exercises possible.

Meanwhile, Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi visited the Philippines for a ministerial meeting and confirmed that discussions will be held toward the export of used MSDF destroyers.

Last month, the government revised the Three Principles on Defense Equipment Transfer and the principles’ implementation guidelines, paving the way for the export of lethal weapons. The export of used destroyers could be the first step in this process.

Strengthening the capabilities of the Philippine Navy will serve to deter China, which continues its self-serving activities. Japan and the Philippines should operate the same equipment and enhance mutual response capabilities.

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 8, 2026)