JAPAN, India and the United States will kick off week-long war games in the Pacific tomorrow.

Warships from the three countries will begin joint exercises after an official opening ceremony at the Sasebo naval base in southern Japan.

Known as the Malabar Exercise, the annual event usually involves India and the US, but Japan’s Maritime Self-Defence Force will take part this year.

The exercises off Japan’s southern coast reflect rising regional tensions as India and Japan remain embroiled in territorial spats with China.

Washington increasingly turned its focus to Asia as it looks to counter Beijing’s growing influence.

The manoeuvres also reflect a growing militarism in Japan, with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe agreeing to “further strengthen” defence co-operation and conduct regular naval exercises on a January visit to Delhi.

China has lashed out at Mr Abe after his cabinet formally endorsed a more aggressive reinterpretation of Japan’s pacifist constitution.