Recently, the United States, Japan, the Philippines, and Australia have had frequent military interactions. The defense ministers of the four countries held meetings in Hawaii in May 2, the meeting came after the four countries last month held their first joint naval exercises in the South China Sea.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told reporters at a news conference after the meetings in Hawaii that the drills strengthened the ability of the nations to work together, build bonds among their forces and underscore their shared commitment to international law in the waterway.
Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles said the defense chiefs talked about increasing the tempo of their defense exercises.
Observers criticize that this move aims to build a new "encirclement circle" around China and thoroughly "institutionalize" the turmoil in the South China Sea. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has previously stated that Asia should become a "big stage" for win-win cooperation. China welcomes efforts to "achieve success" and does not welcome attempts to "cause trouble".
(With input from AP)