Japan and the Philippines have signed a landmark defense pact, allowing exchanges of armed forces for training and military exercises amid China concerns.

The Philippines will continue increasing defense spending as it seeks private sector’s support in safeguarding the nation’s claims in the disputed South China Sea.

The Philippines rejected on Tuesday China's accusation that its grounded warship on the contested Second Thomas Shoal in the South China had damaged the coral reef ecosystem in the area, laying the blame for damaging the marine environment on Beijing.

Japan and the Philippines have signed a defense pact allowing Japanese forces to deploy in the Southeast Asian country for joint military exercises, officials say.

Japan and the Philippines signed a key defense pact Monday allowing the deployment of Japanese forces for joint drills in the Southeast Asian nation that came under brutal Japanese occupation in World War II but is now building an alliance with Tokyo as both face an increasingly assertive China.