Four-nation amphibious military exercises near the US Pacific island of Guam went ahead as scheduled on Saturday to show support for the free passage of vessels in international waters, amid so-called concerns that China may restrict access to the South China Sea. The drills were suspended on Friday after a French landing craft ran aground.
The week-long drills involve American, British, French and Japanese troops. Some 50 Japanese soldiers, 160 Japanese sailors, 70 British troops and UK helicopters are participating in the drills.
According to a US official, Japanese troops are set to practice rubber craft raids on Saturday and US Marines are scheduled to conduct live-fire training with French troops on Sunday.
