日菲南海高调演习，带媒体上舰“造势”，南部战区：持续保持高度戒备

Group 1 - Japan and the Philippines conducted joint military exercises in the South China Sea, marking the first time media were invited to observe the activities, which included anti-submarine warfare drills [1][2] - The exercises, named "Maritime Cooperation Activities," took place near Luzon Island and involved the Philippine Navy's missile frigate "Miguel Malvar" and Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer "Takanami" [1][2] - The exercises included simulated torpedo launches and helicopter landing drills, with no live ammunition used during the training [1][2] Group 2 - The recent military collaboration is seen as part of Japan and the Philippines' efforts to strengthen defense ties, particularly following the approval of a reciprocal access agreement by the Japanese Diet in May [1][2] - Experts suggest that the high-profile nature of the exercises and media involvement is aimed at reinforcing narratives of a "Chinese military threat," potentially leading to increased militarization in the South China Sea [2] - The Chinese military has been noted to operate in the vicinity, with local military personnel indicating no immediate concerns regarding their presence [2]