The United States has announced plans to increase joint patrols in the South China Sea, signaling a commitment to upholding freedom of navigation in the region. This decision comes as the US prepares for upcoming summits with its allies in the Asia-Pacific region.
The South China Sea has been a hotly contested area, with multiple countries laying claim to various islands and territories. China, in particular, has been assertive in its claims over the region, leading to tensions with neighboring countries and the US.