Philippines to step up ties with U.S.-Japan-Australia coalition

    
Philippines to step up ties with U.S.-Japan-Australia coalition

SINGAPORE -- The U.S., Japan, Australia and the Philippines held their first-ever quadrilateral defense chief talks in Singapore over the weekend amid growing challenges posed by China in the South China Sea and in the waters around Taiwan.
 
Manila's participation reflects closer ties with Washington under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. 

 Japan, Australia and the Philippines are treaty allies with the U.S. and would support American military operations in time of crisis. Having the four share intelligence and conduct regular exercises in peace time would enable the countries to respond more swiftly and smoothly to future contingencies.