Countries challenge Beijing with naval drills indisputed sea

TOKYO: In a fresh show of naval force in the contested South China Sea, a US guided missile destroyer conducted drills with a Japanese aircraft carrier, two Indian naval ships and a Philippine patrol vessel in the waterway claimed by China, the US Navy said.

While similar exercises have been held in the South China Sea in the past, the combined display by four countries yesterday represents a fresh challenge to Beijing as US President Donald Trump threatens to increase tariffs on US$200bil (RM829bil) worth of Chinese goods.“Professional engagements with our allies, partners and friends in the region are opportunities to build upon our existing, strong relationships,” Commander Andrew J. Klug, the captain of the US destroyer USS William P. Lawrence, said in a statement yesterday.