Top officials from Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force, the US Army Pacific and the Philippine Army have said they will work together to maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Senior Philippine military officials observed some of the joint drills held by the GSDF and the US military in camps in various parts of Japan. The exercises assumed a scenario of defending remote islands.

The leaders met on Sunday in the first three-way meeting at Camp Asaka, which straddles Tokyo and its northern neighbor Saitama Prefecture.

During the news conference that followed, GSDF Chief of Staff Yoshida Yoshihide said strengthening the relationships among the three countries will become a big force against any attempts to change the region's status quo by force, and will help maintain international order based on the rule of law.

General Charles Flynn, the commander of the US Army Pacific, said joint training and preparation by multiple allies was needed under the current security environment.

The Philippine Army's Lieutenant General Romeo Brawner Jr. said the three countries will further deepen their cooperation to deal with immediate challenges and issues.

Japan and the Philippines have been strengthening their defense ties. The two countries held foreign and defense ministerial talks in April, and Japan's Air Self-Defense Force sent its fighter jets to the Philippines for the first time since World War Two on Tuesday.