US, Japan, Philippine forces patrol China Sea

Agency :

The United States sent a reconnaissance aircraft while Japan and the Philippines deployed naval ships for a joint patrol in the contested South China Sea on Friday, reports AP.
This operation took place two days after the allied nations condemned the actions of Chinese coast guard vessels that targeted Philippine patrol ships.
According to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, the patrol was carried out in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone by allied nations and partners to “uphold the right to freedom of navigation and overflight” and other lawful maritime and airspace activities. These terms are commonly used by the US, Japan, and the Philippines to counter China’s assertive actions in the disputed region.
Two Philippine security officials revealed that the patrol occurred approximately 40 nautical miles (74 kilometers) from Scarborough Shoal, a contested fishing area located off the northwestern Philippines. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on public disclosures.