A dozen survivors were rescued by fishermen from nearby islands, while the remaining 34 were rescued at sea by crew members of the Australian destroyer HMAS Warramunga 1, which rushed to their aid.

Japan's concerns over a potential U.S. retreat from the region have grown amid China's increasingly assertive military posture.

The ships which arrived on Sunday include Iranian Navy’s IRIS Dena, a Moudge Class Frigate, the French Navy’s Atlantique 2 aircraft, HMAS Warramunga of the Royal Australian Navy, JS Sazanami ...