Step by step, China is extending its control of disputed waters in the South China Sea. A new rule took effect this month that requires foreign fishermen operating in almost two thirds of the entire Sea, including areas claimed and controlled by neighboring countries, to identify themselves to the Chinese authorities.

Look out, China: your two biggest rivals in Asia are growing closer together. The Japanese defense minister, Itsunori Onodera, on a multi-day trip to India, met with his counterpart in Delhi today to discuss strengthening their countries’ collaboration in several key areas of defense. During the coming year, Japan and India will hold their fourth Defence Policy Dialogue, third “2 plus 2” Dialogue, and third joint naval exercise. Japan will play host to the Indian defense minister, and the two ministers have said they hope for deeper cooperation between their air forces.

Japan and India began second-ever joint military exercises in the Indian Ocean this week, a tangible step toward closer cooperation between China’s two biggest Asian rivals. The relationship between Tokyo and New Delhi is warming, but don’t expect Beijing to sit idly by.

Secretary Kerry’s visit to Vietnam, and the coastal patrol aid package he promised to Hanoi and other Southeast Asian nations, helps reinforce the US pivot to Asia. Some doubt Washington’s ability and interest in continuing to be the ultimate provider of security and prosperity there—with good reason. Hopefully this is a sign that Washington has not forgotten its friends.

This week India announced it would train Vietnamese sailors, a clear sign that military cooperation between Vietnam and India is strengthening. In general, policy-makers in Hanoi and New Delhi know that the relationship between their two countries is mutually beneficial. The announcement is also a sign that the coalition of Asian nations seeking to cooperatively balance a rising and aggressive China is growing stronger.