TOKYO -- The U.S. and the Philippines began their annual Kamandag military exercise Monday, with Japan Ground Self-Defense Force units and the South Korean marines participating for the first time, illustrating the increasing importance of multilateral security frameworks as Washington urges its Asian allies to become less dependent on it.
China's military buildup and maritime expansion have prompted Washington to strengthen security cooperation with Tokyo and Manila. In March, Philippine, U.S. and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force vessels conducted tactical training and other joint exercises in the South China Sea, advocating "freedom of navigation and overflight."
