Just as four vessels from China's navy are taking part in the biennial US-led RIMPAC exercise off Hawaii for the first time, the United States and the Philippines have held the 20th Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training exercise not far from Scarborough Shoal, ownership of which is disputed between the Philippines and China, according to Duowei News, an outlet operated by overseas Chinese.
The exercise, abbreviated as CARAT 2014, was held between June 26 and July 1. Some five warships and more than 1,400 military personnel from the nations were mobilized for the six-day drill. Officials from the Philippine Navy said the exercise was held to strengthen the capabilities of both sides in amphibious operations, special operations and enhancing information sharing in the region. The drill was held only 80 nautical miles away from the disputed reef in the South China Sea.
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