The government has reintroduced the drills into the annual Ulchi civil defence exercises, held alongside the Ulchi Freedom Shield drills to improve responses to a North Korean attack or other emergency.

The drills are a key element of the annual Ulchi civil defence exercises, held alongside the Ulchi Freedom Shield drills, to improve responses to a North Korean attack or other contingencies.

Australia holds annual defence exercises in South East Asia, although it is the first amphibious exercise - the movement of ground and air forces from ship to shore - with the Philippines.

China held exercises around Taiwan a day after Taiwan Vice President William Lai's return, but on a far lower scale than previous war games.

Beijing's offer to carry out joint military drills with the Philippines comes at a time of heightened tensions between the countries over what Manila describes as China's 'aggressive' activities in the South China Sea.

China has been staging regular exercises around the island for the past three years, to pressure Taipei to accept Beijing's claim of sovereignty despite the island's strong rejections.

The non-combat drills for members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations were originally set to take place in the southernmost waters of the South China Sea, which are also claimed by Beijing.

The drills are also being held to mark the 70th anniversary of the alliance between the countries and the 75th anniversary of the founding of the South Korean military.

US and South Korean forces have been staging an intensified series of annual springtime exercises since March, including air and sea drills involving a US aircraft carrier and heavy bombers.

China is modernising its military and its formidable missile forces and navy fleet, with new vessels such as cutting-edge cruisers, are posing a concern for the US and its allies.

The drill aims to boost Manila's military capability while serving as a US show of support for its Asian ally amid China's growing assertiveness in the region.

The announcement came after the three countries agreed to conduct regular missile defence and anti-submarine exercises as part of efforts to scale up diplomatic and military cooperation.