Malaysia and the Philippines began joint naval exercises Tuesday aimed at strengthening counter-terrorism and the fight against smuggling, the two countries said.

Some 300 sailors, seven vessels, and aircraft from both countries are taking part in the annual 10-day exercise along the busy shipping corridor between the Philippine ports of Manila and Cebu, officials of the two navies told a joint news conference.

The exercise involves both in-port training and tactical manoeuvres at sea.

The joint exercises started in 1997, aimed at curbing piracy, smuggling and people trafficking.