U.S. to flex alliance with Japan, Philippines with joint patrols, drills near South China Sea

President Biden on Thursday hosted the first-ever summit between the leaders of the U.S., Japan and the Philippines in a major show of solidarity against China’s military aggressiveness in the South China Sea. Mr. Biden began the meeting by reaffirming the U.S.’s commitment to its defense partnership with both countries. “I want to be clear: The United States defense commitments to Japan and the Philippines are ironclad,” he said. “Any attack on Philippine aircraft, vessels, or armed forces in the South China Sea would invoke our mutual defense treaty.” A...