The San Diego-based warship USS Mobile sailed in formation Sunday with ships from three allied countries in a show of force intended to deter China from harassing Philippine ships in the South China Sea, the U.S. Navy said .
Mobile, a high-speed littoral combat ship, was joined by ships from the Philippines, Australia and Japan. They conduct joint patrols in the region to help keep international shipping lanes open.
In March, Chinese coast guard ships fired water cannons at a Philippine supply ship traveling in disputed waters. The navy said it was one of several incidents in recent months in which Chinese ships have harassed vessels traveling legally in the South China Sea.
Mobile is a lightly armed ship specialized in keeping sea lanes open.
California Daily Newspapers
