Japan's participation in the annual US-Philippine military exercises is significant, indicating Tokyo's growing role in regional alliances that may conflict with China. More than 7,000 soldiers from the U.S. and Philippines are taking part in the joint drill to enhance combat readiness.

Japan’s participation in annual US-Philippine military exercises is a “big deal”, because it shows how Tokyo is taking a bigger role in regional groupings that could face off with China, according to analysts. More than 7,000 soldiers from the United States and Philippine armies are taking part in this year’s Salaknib drill, a joint annual exercise that started on the north of Luzon island on Monday. The exercise aims to “enhance combat readiness and interoperability between the two armies,...