The San Diego-based warship USS Mobile sailed in formation with vessels from three allied nations Sunday in a show of force meant to dissuade China from harassing Philippine vessels in the South China Sea, the U.S. Navy said.
Mobile, a high-speed littoral combat ship, was joined by vessels from the Philippines, Australia and Japan. They conduct joint patrols in the region to help keep international sea lanes open.
In March, Chinese Coast Guard ships fired water cannons at a Philippine supply ship traveling in contested waters. The Navy has said it was one of several incidents in recent months in which Chinese ships have harassed vessels that were lawfully traveling in the South China Sea.
Mobile is a lightly-armed ship that specializes in keeping sea lanes open.
