Japan, Philippines step up coast guard cooperation amid China pressure

TOKYO -- Japan, the Philippines and the U.S. kicked off joint coast guard training Monday, as Chinese activity in the South and East China seas spurs Tokyo and Manila to improve their handling of "gray zone" activity that falls short of outright conflict.

The three countries will conduct a search and rescue exercise Friday off the coast of southern Kyushu, according to the Japan Coast Guard. The drill will simulate a collision between two vessels and an ensuing fire, with the three coast guards communicating information and cooperating to rescue passengers and fight the fire.