‘US, Japan and Australia plan navy drills in disputed sea’

Sea of contention: A Philippine Coast Guard inflatable boat passing by a Japanese ship during a drill of the US, Japan and Philippines, near the waters of the South China See in Bataan province, Philippines, in June. — AP

The United States, Japan and Australia are planning a joint navy drill in the South China Sea off the western Philippines this week to underscore their commitment to the rule of law in the region, Filipino security officials said.

The drill will include three aircraft and helicopter carriers sailing together in a show of force and undertaking joint drills.