Japan, US, and South Korea held their first joint coast guard drill off Japan's coast, strengthening maritime ties amid Chinese territorial claims.

Japan, US, and South Korea held their first joint coast guard drill off Japan's coast, strengthening maritime ties amid increased Chinese territorial claims. This follows an agreement in August by the leaders of these countries to enhance security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. Skirmishes between Chinese and Philippine coast guard vessels have raised concerns about escalating disputes in the South China Sea.