Australia is joining the US, Canada and the Philippines for military exercises in waters contested by China in a first for the four nations' forces operating together.
A P-8 Poseidon patrol and recon aircraft is being sent by Australia while the other nations are deploying warships and attached aircraft for the exercise, on Wednesday and Thursday.
Australia routinely joins allies such as the US in joint exercises and freedom of navigation patrols through the contested South China Sea.
