Previously Planned Exercise Begins With U.S.

The Philippines and the United States have started a joint war game that simulates amphibious assaults on coastlines facing China, reports the New York Times.

The exercise, which began on Monday, comes as a maritime standoff continues between China and the Philippines in the disputed Scarborough Shoal.

The military drills, to take place in the southwestern island province of Palawan and around Luzon, were planned well in advance of the standoff, said Philippine President...