Chinese patrol ship Haixun 01 is pictured during a search for the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, in the south Indian Ocean April 5, 2014, in this photo courtesy of China News Service. Haixun 01 detected a pulse signal in the south Indian Ocean on
Chinese patrol ship Haixun 01 is pictured during a search for the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, in the south Indian Ocean April 5, 2014, in this photo courtesy of China News Service. Reuters/CNSphoto

Japan and the United States are making a move in the South China Sea following China's alleged military activities. The two countries will conduct joint naval drills in an attempt to support and emphasise protection of open, free and peaceful oceans in the region.

Defence Minister Gen Nakatani said he supports the US Navy’s warship navigating close to China's artificial islands in the South China Sea. According to Nakatani, the US military is at the forefront of upholding international law including protection of regions like the South China Sea.

“The international community will not allow the unilateral changing of the status quo by force, and our country believes the same,” said the minister in Hawaii on Tuesday after meeting the commander of the U.S. Pacific Command, Adm. Harry Harris. “The US believes the same, too, and we agreed on this point," he added.

Japan will have jointed drills with the United States and trilateral exercises with Australia. On top of this, the minister and Harris also agreed to promote drills with other countries in Southeast Asia. Nakatani added that Japan has been proactive in promoting regional stability as well as boosting capacity of countries around the South China Sea. The country pledged 10 patrol ships to the Philippine Coast Guard just recently.

China has been under fire for its alleged attempt to militarise part of the South China Sea. The country further raised concerned after it conducted a large-scale "real confrontation" drill, comprised of mobilised destroyers, anti-submarine helicopters and submarines, last Nov 17 to 19. According to a Chinese military expert, the drill was intended for "high-profile targets."

"Recently, the South China Sea storm has continued, the United States moves frequently, especially in waters near the South China Sea islands and reefs, and poses a serious threat to China's sovereignty," Focus Taiwan quoted Ruan Zongze, executive vice president of the Chinese Institute of International Studies.

"In this case, China must strengthen its vigilance and capacity-building, such as large-scale exercises," he added.

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