US hosts Asia-Pacific military leaders from 23 nations for meeting on amphibious capabilities

FILE - In this April 21, 2015 file photo, an amphibious assault vehicle with Philippine and U.S. troops on board storms a beach during an annual U.S.-Philippines joint military drill at the Naval Education and Training Command at San Antonio township, Zambales province, northwest of Manila, Philippines. Amphibious military capabilities are on the agenda the week of May 18, 2015, as the U.S. Marine Corps and Navy host defense leaders from around the Pacific in Hawaii. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez, File) (The Associated Press)

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FILE - In this July 29, 2014 file photo, Japanese soldiers on a reconnaissance team come ashore during amphibious landing practice at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. Amphibious military capabilities are on the agenda the week of May 18, 2015, as the U.S. Marine Corps and Navy host defense leaders from around the Pacific in Hawaii. (AP Photo/Audrey McAvoy, File) (The Associated Press)

FILE - In this March 30, 2015 file photo, South Korean Marines take their position near an amphibious assault vehicle during the annual U.S.-South Korea joint military exercise Foal Eagle in Pohang, south of Seoul, South Korea. Amphibious military capabilities are on the agenda the week of May 18, 2015, as the U.S. Marine Corps and Navy host defense leaders from around the Pacific in Hawaii. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man, File) (The Associated Press)

HONOLULU – Amphibious military capabilities are on the agenda as the U.S. Marine Corps and Navy host defense leaders from around the Pacific in Hawaii this week.

The first-of-its kind meeting comes as territorial disputes over islands grow more heated in the region.

U.S. treaty allies Japan and the Philippines are expected to attend along with U.S. partners like Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam. Altogether, 23 nations will join.

China wasn't invited, even though it has one of the region's fastest-growing militaries. Marine Corps Col. Nathan Nastase says a U.S. law restricting the types of military exercises the U.S. and China may engage in together prevents China's inclusion.

Nastase says participants will discuss how they may develop amphibious capabilities and operate together. U.S. Marines and sailors will demonstrate landing on a beach.