US eyes more regular West Philippine Sea patrols

WASHINGTON, D.C.: The Pentagon is planning to conduct more regular patrols in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea)—as many as two to three a month—to assert freedom of navigation in disputed waters claimed by China, the Wall Street Journal reported.

The newspaper said the aim is to create a more consistent posture to counter China’s maritime claims, rather than a more ad-hoc approach favored during Barack Obama’s administration.