The United States, the Philippines and Australia have started joint naval exercises in the South China Sea, according to Reuters. The drills bring together three security partners in one of Asia’s most disputed waterways, where rival territorial claims and frequent encounters at sea have raised tensions for years.

Officials have framed the exercises as part of broader efforts to strengthen maritime security and improve coordination among allied forces. The South China Sea remains a flashpoint because of overlapping claims by several states, as well as concerns about coercive behavior and the risk of miscalculation at sea.

The latest operation adds to a series of multinational military activities in the Indo-Pacific as Washington and its partners seek to show a more unified presence in the region. Such drills are closely watched by governments across Asia, especially as disputes over navigation rights and territorial control continue to shape regional security.

Reuters reported the exercises began on Friday. The announcement comes amid ongoing efforts by the US and its allies to deter escalation while signaling support for a rules-based maritime order.