New Delhi, Aug 5 (UNI) India and the Philippines staged joint naval exercises in South-China Sea or ‘West Philippine Sea’ (as Philippines calls it) coinciding with the five-day State visit of Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr to India while both countries signed a Strategic Partnership agreement to strengthen cooperation in Defence, security, maritime, health and several other sectors.
West Philippine Sea (WPS) is the designation by the Philippines government to parts of the South China Sea that are included in the country’s exclusive economic zone. The term “West Philippine Sea” has been in use by the international community since 1961. It was used to refer to the western portion of the Philippine Sea which is East of the Philippine archipelago.
Philippines Army Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner said the joint naval exercises which began on Sunday were successful.
Asked if Chinese forces carried out any action in response, Gen Brawner said they did not experience any untoward incident. The Manila Times, a Philippines daily, said two Chinese Navy Warships were spotted shadowing Philippine and Indian ships in the West Philippine Sea.
He described the exercises as a ”show of unity” between India and the Philippines.
In Beijing Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said disputes over territory and maritime rights and interests should be settled through negotiations and consultation by countries directly concerned and no third party is in any position to interfere in that.
The spokesman was asked about China’s reaction on the India-Philippines joint exercises in the South China Sea.
Three Indian Navy ships INS Mysore, INS Kiltan and INS Shakti participated in the joint exercises.
During the ongoing State visit of the Philippines President to India, both India and the Philippines signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement and agreed to strengthen cooperation in Defence, maritime and security areas among others.
