Australia, Japan, Philippines, US to conduct maritime cooperative activity

HONG KONG/BEIJING (Reuters) - The U.S. Navy said on Wednesday that Australia, Japan and Philippine defence forces will work together with the U.S. to conduct maritime activity within the Philippines exclusive economic zone on Feb. 5 to enhance cooperation and interoperability.

A spokesperson for Chinese People's Liberation Army Southern Theatre Command later said China had conducted a routine patrol in the South China Sea on Wednesday.

The troops will remain on high alert and defend China's territorial sovereignty, maritime rights and interests, and control any military activities that disrupt the South China Sea, the spokesperson said.

(Reporting by Farah Master and the Beijing newsroom; Editing by Jacqueline Wong)

---

Serious News for Serious Traders! Try StreetInsider.com Premium Free!

---

You May Also Be Interested In

• Niger blames France for inciting soldiers' mutiny
• More children under 12 in US are being prescribed weight-loss drugs, study finds
• Mexican ruling-party lawmaker found dead with gunshot wound, a year before elections