A Japanese submarine will visit the Philippines for the first time in 15 years, along with two warships that will then sail on to Vietnam, in a show of support for nations opposed to Beijing’s ambitions in the South China Sea.
A person familiar with the matter said the Japanese submarine, which is used for training, and the destroyers will arrive in the Philippines in April.
The source added that the escort vessels will later sail to Vietnam’s strategic Cam Ranh Bay base on the South China Sea.
A Japanese Ministry of Defense spokesman declined to comment on any submarine visit but said the navy normally conducted training voyages in March and April.
The visits were first reported by Japanese media, including the Sankei newspaper last Sunday.
