Tokyo, June 12 (Jiji Press) — Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force conducted a joint exercise with the U.S. Navy in the South China Sea for three days through Wednesday, the Maritime Staff Office of the Japanese Defense Ministry said.

The exercise, part of efforts to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific region, was apparently aimed at countering the rise of China.

Three MSDF destroyers, including the Izumo, which is currently deployed to the Indo-Pacific region, participated in the drill. From the U.S. Navy, several warships, including the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, took part.

In the exercise, the two sides conducted takeoff and landing drills for carrier-based aircraft, and tactical maneuver training.