MANILA, Philippines—Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana welcomed the UK carrier strike group headed to the region on a mission to promote freedom of navigation in the South China Sea and highlight its deeper security role in the Pacific.
A port visit to Manila of the strike group’s component vessel was set, according to Arsenio Andolong, director and spokesperson of the Department of National Defense (DND). Earlier reports said the UK ships were expected to make several port visits during its seven-month voyage.
The carrier strike group will demonstrate freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, which China is claiming to own, and promote closer relations between the Philip…
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