India and the Philippines have staged joint naval exercises in the disputed South China Sea for the first time, antagonizing China.

MANILA (Reuters) -The Philippine and Indian navies have sailed together for the first time in the South China Sea, officials said on Monday, as President Ferdinand Marcos left Manila for New Delhi for a state visit.

Three Indian warships joined Philippine forces for a landmark sea patrol in disputed waters. The message: stronger maritime ties, despite Beijing’s objections.