Japan launchs rockets in joint exercise with the US and allies north of the Philippines, overlooking the South China Sea

Japan's Veterinary Forces have launched a rocket against Type 88-type ships during a joint naval exercise with American, Australian and Filipino forces Wednesday, hitting a dismantled Philippines Navy ship in the waters across the South China Sea, Reuters writes.

The exercise was held at a time when Manila and Tokyo are holding talks on a possible transfer of protective equipment, enabled by Japan's decision to lift restrictions on military exports.

Discussions include the possibility of early transfers of the Abukuma class destroyers and TC-90 aircraft to the Philippines Armed Forces, said Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi.

Defence Minister Gilberto Theodoro and Koizumi attended the launch of the rocket on the ground, while Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. saw the exercise from military headquarters in Manila through live transmission, the president's office said.

“Objectivity demonstrated co-ordinated maritime attack operations among the Allied forces and highlighted the AFP's increased ability to act together with international partners in promoting regional security and navigation freedom,”, the statement said.

The Filipino Army said two rounds of Type 88 rockets were released, which hit the BRP Quazon ship within six minutes of launch. The shock took place some 75km from the coast of Paoy in the northern Philippines, the area facing the South China Sea.