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.
Their commanders are set to meet with Filipino counterparts in Manila after the offshore drills, two Philippine security officials said.
Both spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not allowed to publicly discuss details of the planned drills.
The US plans to deploy an aircraft carrier, the USS America, while Japan would send one of its biggest warships, the helicopter carrier JS Izumo.
The Royal Australian Navy would send its HMAS Canberra, which also carries helicopters, one of the two officials said, adding that the joint drill was planned a few months ago.
The Philippines would not be part of this week’s drills due to military logistical limitations but is open to becoming a participant in the future, the official said. — AP
