The Philippines and the United States have kicked off their annual joint naval exercise, with a wide range of partner countries this time. It comes as tensions rise between Manila and Beijing over territorial claims in the South China Sea.

The two navies invited seven nations to this year's "Samasama" drills. They include Japan, Canada, Britain France.

The 12-day exercise will be held in waters south of Luzon. It will be the largest ever, with some 2,000 personnel taking part.

Combat drills between the Philippine and the US navies are aimed at improving their ability to work closely together.

Officers from the nine countries gathered on Monday at the opening ceremony in Manila.

The Philippine Navy's Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci said in a speech that the exercise is a symbol of their enduring partnerships and shared commitment to security and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force has sent the destroyer Akebono, crewed by around 170 personnel.
They'll practice responding to disasters and delivering humanitarian aid.

The JMSDF's Vice Admiral Fukuda Tatsuya said the drills will enhance the JMSDF's interoperability and existing strong relationship with not only the Philippines and the US, but also with other partner navies.

Philippine Navy officials say the aim of the expanded exercise is to shore up a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, apparently with China in mind.

Territorial disputes over the South China Sea have been heating up as Beijing flexes its muscles in the waters.

Last Monday, the Philippines said it conducted a "special operation" to remove a barrier China installed days earlier near Scarborough Shoal. The shoal is located within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. But it has been effectively controlled by China since 2012.