U.S., Japan and Philippines Forge Closer Defense Ties Amid Rising Tensions in Indo-Pacific

US, Japan, and Philippines held their first joint security meeting this week.
Officials from the three countries met to strengthen cooperation efforts in response to security concerns with China, North Korea and other threats.
They discussed joint naval exercises, military cooperation and maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
The three-way talks also looked at safeguarding freedom of navigation and security over the Taiwan Strait and in the South China Sea.
Another meeting is planned to expand cooperation on national security issues between the allies.