Australia and the Philippines have conducted their first joint amphibious landing drill. It comes as the South China Sea continues to be a flashpoint for tensions in the region.

The exercise took place on the west of Luzon Island facing the South China Sea, where China has become more assertive. The two militaries practiced amphibious landings and air assaults. They simulated an operation to retake remote islands with the help of US Marines.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. observed the exercises, as did Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles. A joint statement said the two countries recommitted to planning joint patrols in the South China Sea. They reaffirmed their intention to elevate the relationship to "a strategic partnership."
Canberra and Manila appear to be emphasizing cooperation ahead of a leaders' summit scheduled for next month in the Philippine capital.

Troubles have been increasingly common in the South China Sea. Earlier this month, a Chinese coast guard ship sprayed Filipino vessels with water cannon in disputed waters.