Japan backs US South China Sea operations

Japan backs US South China Sea operations Sydney (AFP) Nov 22, 2015 - Japan on Sunday backed the United States sailing warships close to disputed land in the South China Sea but said it had no plans to send its own maritime forces to support the operation. Last month Washington infuriated Beijing when the USS Lassen guided missile destroyer sailed within 12 nautical miles of at least one land formation claimed by China in the disputed Spratly Islands chain. ... more

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