The US and Japanese forces joined the Philippines for maritime drills in the South China Sea from July 21 to 25.
The drills brought together warships, Coast Guard vessels, surveillance and fighter aircraft to improve interoperability among the allies.
The Philippine military said in a statement that the exercises underscored the enduring partnership among the partner nations in promoting peace, stability, and security in the Indo-Pacific region.
The exercises followed an incident at Second Thomas Shoal where Chinese Coast Guard personnel struck a Filipino sailor with a baton, and water cannon firings at Scarborough Shoal on Thursday and Friday.
On Saturday, the Philippines' new chief of staff Antonio Nafarrete visited Thitu Island in the Spratly Islands.
