U.S., Philippines stage war games

U.S., Philippines stage war games

MANILA (AP): U.S. and Philippine warships and aircraft staged live-fire war exercises yesterday near a disputed South China Sea shoal, an act that could trigger protests from China.

A Philippine navy spokesman said the 18-hour exercise was held outside the country's territorial waters because of the absence of a bilateral agreement governing exercises in Philippine territory.

At least five ships and four aircraft joined the exercise, which involved simulated air and naval attacks using cannon fire to hit floating targets, Philippine navy spokesman commander Salvador Cuba said.

A Filipino navy official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the exercise was held at one point very near Scarborough Shoal, which is claimed by both the Philippines and China.