Teamwork

This is projecting soft power?

It's good to know that freedom-loving countries are joining together against an aｇgressive bully.

joining together against an aｇegressive bully

dressed as Jack Sparrow lest anyone see through the subterfuge

Both countries would like to get an early start on protecting their sovereignty againts China's aggression.

Indeed. Not sure pirates are the main issue in SE Asia

Wakari, in THIS case, the chinese ARE the Pirates.

So much for China's efforts to make the world think that all of Asia hates Japan. The reality is that most victims of Japan's imperial aggression 70 years ago, like the Philippines are welcoming Japan's participation in maintaining the peace, security and stability of East Asia on all levels. Sorry China but it's you that's acting like Imperial Japan, but then that's what dictatorships do. South China Sea 2016 = Manchuria 1937. China is the one that needs to learn from history.

So much for China's efforts to make the world think that all of Asia hates Japan. The reality is that most victims of Japan's imperial aggression 70 years ago, like the Philippines are welcoming Japan's participation in maintaining the peace, security and stability of East Asia on all levels. Sorry China but it's you that's acting like Imperial Japan, but then that's what dictatorships do. South China Sea 2016 = Manchuria 1937. China is the one that needs to learn from history.

Absolutely spot on.

The area between Zamboanga/Sulu Mindanao (South Philippines) and Sulawesi/ Kalimantan East Indonesia (Celebes Sea, Banda Sea) is popular with pirates, though they mainly target small vessels, such as yachts, tourist boats, coastal cargo ships. Even some local diving charter boats have been attacked. They mainly look for cash and expensive items; violence and murder are rare, and after robbing you, they at least leave you with your boat.