NHK has learned that the coast guards of Japan, the United States and South Korea will hold their first joint exercise next month. The move comes amid increasing maritime activity by China.

Sources say the drill is scheduled to take place in the Sea of Japan off the coast of the Japanese prefectures of Fukui and Kyoto on June 6.

Vessels from the three coast guards will confirm their search-and-rescue methods and capabilities.

The coast guards signed a document on May 9 affirming intentions to reinforce their collaboration.

They also plan to cooperate with counterparts in Southeast Asian countries and Pacific island nations to support their capabilities in search-and-rescue operations and crackdowns on illegal fishing.

During a trilateral summit near Washington last August, the leaders of Japan, the US and South Korea agreed to work together to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific region.