ISLAMABAD

Naval and air force units of the US, Canada and the Philippines conducted joint drills in the South China Sea amid growing tensions in the region with China, local media reported Thursday.

In a statement late Wednesday, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said the participants are demonstrating their "collective commitment to strengthen regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific," according to The Manila Times.

"The activity will be conducted in a manner consistent with international law and with due regard for the safety of navigation and the rights and interests of other states," Brawner said.

However, the military did not share further details on what ships and aircraft were involved in the drills.

Last month, the US and the Philippines held maritime exercises in the South China Sea. Manila refers to parts of the vast water body as the West Philippines Sea

Earlier this month, China strongly reacted to the joint exercises between the Philippines and the US, saying it is a bid to “undermine peace and stability” in the South China Sea.