US, Japan, Aus, Phil defense chiefs meet in Hawaii to counter China

Defense ministers from Japan, the United States, Australia, and the Philippines convened in Hawaii on Thursday to address rising concerns about China's growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.

The meeting is the second quadrilateral gathering for these Pacific Rim countries, focusing on maintaining a rules-based order and enhancing collaboration to ensure peace and stability in the region.

During the talks, defense ministers discussed territorial disputes involving Japan's Senkaku Islands and the Philippines' South China Sea claims against China, emphasizing the importance of coordinated activities like joint naval drills.

Last month, the four nations conducted their first full-scale joint naval exercises in the South China Sea to demonstrate their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region, and they plan to conduct more maritime exercises moving forward.

The United States and its allies have been increasing bilateral and multilateral security cooperation in recent years as a response to China's intensifying military activities in regional waters.