The U.S. Navy held military drills with the Philippines and allied nations Japan, Australia, Canada and France amid China tensionsamid territorial tensions in the South China Sea.

The joint military exercises, 'SAMASAMA 2024', were held in the West Philippine Sea - the parts of the South China Sea that fall within the Philippine exclusive economic zone - on October 14.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines said the war games involved anti-submarine warfare and joint patrol operations.

It said in a statement: 'The ongoing Sea Phase of SAMASAMA 2024 underscores the shared objective of both the Philippines and the United States to address maritime security challenges through cooperation and joint operations. The participation of the Royal Canadian Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), and other allied navies in later exercises also further strengthens this commitment to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

'SAMASAMA 2024, now in its seventh iteration, represents the continuing evolution of bilateral maritime exercises, fostering stronger relationships among participating forces and enhancing overall regional security capabilities.'

The drills were held as China ramps up its maritime presence in contested parts of the South China Sea.

Expansionist China has disputes with nearly all of its neighbours as it currently lays claim over almost the entire South China Sea, one of the world's busiest sea lanes. But a United Nations-backed tribunal in 2016 deemed its claims groundless.

The Communist rogue state - accused of genocide for its crimes against the Uyghur population - has been steadily increasing its influence in recent years through investment in developing countries.