The Philippines and the United States are set to kick off a joint naval exercise on Monday. Philippine officials say the two navies invited seven other countries, including Japan, to join the annual drills.

This comes as tensions have been rising between Manila and Beijing over territorial claims in the South China Sea.

The 12-day exercise will be held in the waters southeast of Luzon island. Combat drills between the navies of the Philippines and the US are aimed at improving their ability to work closely together.

Other countries invited this year are Australia, Canada, Britain, France, New Zealand and Indonesia.

About 2,000 personnel are taking part.

Philippine navy officials say the aim is to further strengthen international defense cooperation and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.

Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force plans to send the destroyer Akebono, along with some 170 personnel.
They will practice responding to disasters and delivering humanitarian aid.

Japan deployed its largest destroyer, the Izumo, last month to another exercise, which was held in the South China Sea. The Philippines, the US, and Australia were also involved.

Manila is keen to strengthen defense ties with Washington and its allies as China steps up its activities in the disputed sea.