Philippine, USA, Japan and Australia maneuvers in the China Sea. Last year, regional tensions intensified, with China more assertively asserting its claims to maritime areas also claimed by the Philippines and Japan.
In response, the United States has sought to strengthen its alliances in the region, particularly with its traditional allies Japan and the Philippines. The exercises will take place in the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone on 7 April 2024, the four countries said in a joint statement. The exercise comes amid China's growing influence in the area.