Japan-led navy exercise starts with Philippines observing for first time

Japan's navy on Saturday announced the start of a joint annual military exercise, with the Philippines observing the operations for the first time as the two countries seek closer maritime cooperation. The Japan-led Annualex exercise started on Friday with operations conducted by the naval forces of the United States, Australia and Canada, with the Philippines attending as an observer, Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force Vice Admiral Akira Saito told reporters. "The Philippines is a very important country for us, and we are looking to coordinate with their navy at every possible opportunity," Saito said aboard the USS Carl Vinson as it sailed in an undisclosed location in the Pacific Ocean.