 Japan led an annual multinational naval exercise that included the Philippines as an observer for the first time, as Filipino Coast Guard vessels are increasingly harassed by China in the disputed South China Sea. The annual ex-exercises that began Japan's coast also included the United States, Australia and Canada. Their aim is to demonstrate and increase ways the navies can work together and show their presence and commitment to defend a free and open Indo-Pacific, which the allies say is hampered by China's growing ambitions that include sweeping territorial claims, the exercise comes in the wake of the latest confrontation between the Philippines and China in the South China Sea. Adding to the territorial disputes that risk turning into a more serious armed conflict, the Philippines accused a Chinese Coast Guard ship and accompanying vessels of dangerous maneuvers and blasting a Philippine supply ship with a water cannon. Japan, in writing the policy of the United States, are very strong in treating the Philippines. So before we get a chance to sail and to train together, the stronger that makes our navies, the better it makes our navies, we all learn a lot about it.