Philippines, US, Australia, Canada to hold first joint exercises in South China Sea

“We stand together to address common maritime challenges and underscore our shared dedication to upholding international law and the rules-based order,” the statement read.

China claims as its territory much of the South China Sea, a conduit for roughly US$3 trillion in annual ship-borne trade, despite competing claims by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.

Manila and Beijing have repeatedly clashed in the South China Sea, accusing each other of aggressive behaviour involving their ships and of damaging the marine environment.

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague said China’s claims had no legal basis, a decision Beijing has rejected.

China’s embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the four nations exercise.