Philippines to conduct joint naval exercise with US, Australia and Japan.
Philippines, US, Japan and Australia will strengthen military ties to counter the expanding influence of China in the Asia-Pacific region.
On 7 April, the exercise will be held in South China Sea, which is almost entirely claimed by China. Philippines, Japan and Taiwan also claim over waters.
The drills have not been officially announced.
Last week the Australian warship HMAS Warramunga arrived at the Philippine island province of Palawan to strengthen military relations with partner nations.
