A Maritime Self-Defense Force flotilla of three vessels arrived in the Philippines early April 3 on a goodwill visit — the first to include a Japanese submarine in 15 years — amid China's growing assertiveness in the region.
The training submarine Oyashio, accompanied by the destroyers Ariake and Setogiri, made a port call at Subic Bay, home of a former U.S. naval base, ahead of planned open sea drills. Some 500 Japanese personnel, including 55 officer candidates, are taking part in the confidence-building exercise. (The Japan Times)
海上自衛隊の潜水艦が、日本の潜水艦としては15年ぶりにフィリピンに寄港し、南シナ海の領有権をめぐり中国と対立するフィリピン軍と自衛隊の関係強化に取り組んだ。
The Japan Times ST: April 15, 2016