This handout photo from the Australian military's Joint Operations Command shows ships from the Philippines, Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the United States in a Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity in the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone in September 2024. Australian Defense Force Joint Operations Command, file

MANILA — Units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Monday started a fresh round of training with counterparts from the US Navy and the US Marine Corps in Subic Bay as part of Sama Sama 2024, the US Department of Defense said.

According to a release by the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service, the two-week series of maritime engagement is meant to improve interoperability and strengthen security ties and includes representatives from Australia, Canada, France, Japan and the United Kingdom.

• PH holds joint drills with Australia, Japan, New Zealand and US in Philippine waters

"This exercise is a powerful investment for our collective movement and an opportunity to address regional challenges together," Philippine Navy RAdm. Jose Ma. Ezpeleta, head of the Philippine delegation, said in the release.

The Philippines is sending the frigate BRP Jose Rizal (FF150), landing craft BRP Waray (LC-288), and patrol craft BRP Nestor Reinoso (PC 380) as well as special operations and support units to the exercises.

"What began as a bilateral event between the United States and the Philippines has grown into a multilateral and multiplatform operation, bringing together like-minded partners from across the Indo-Pacific," US Navy RAdm.Todd Cimicata, head of the US delegation, said.

The US Navy is sending missile destroyer USS Howard (DDG 83) and a P-8A Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft as well as personnel from the US 7th Fleet and the USMC's Marine Rotational Force – Southeast Asia to Sama Sama 2024.

The Royal Canadian Navy's HMCS Vancouver and a CH-148 Cyclone helicopter are also participating.

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force is sending aircraft to the maritime exercises.

The Philippines has been ramping up training and other engagements with foreign militaries to help upgrade the AFP's capabilities and in response to China's aggressive moves in the West Philippine Sea, the part of the South China Sea in the country's exclusive economic zone.

• Resistance to China should not lead to 'militarization' of West PH Sea — group

While the US remains the Philippines' only treaty ally, the country has signed a troop access agreement with Japan. 

Discussions on broader defense deals with France and Germany are already underway.