U.S. and British navies conduct first joint military exercises in disputed South China Sea

ASIA PACIFIC

U.S. and British navies conduct first joint military exercises in disputed South China Sea

The HMS Argyll (bottom) takes part in a replenishment at sea with the USS McCampbell (top) and USNS Henry J Kaiser while operating in the South China Sea on Saturday. | ROYAL NAVY

By Jesse Johnson
Staff Writer

Jan 16, 2019

U.S. and British warships have sailed together in the disputed South China Sea for the first time, in exercises likely to stoke anger in Beijing.

The guided-missile destroyer USS McCampbell and Royal Navy frigate HMS Argyll conducted the operations in the strategic waterway over a period of six days from Friday through Wednesday, the The U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet said in a statement.

The statement said the warships “conducted communication drills, division tactics, and a personnel exchange designed to address common maritime security priorities, enhance interoperability, and develop relationships that will benefit both navies for many years to come.”