1. The first paragraph of a news article should answer the questions who, what, where and when. List the who, what, where and when of this news item. (NOTE: The remainder of a news article provides details on the why and/or how.)

2. What is the stated purpose for the unified sail through?

3. What did the the ships from the four countries do during the joint military venture?

4. a) What is the significance of the South China Sea?
b) Which countries have made claims to the reefs and islands in the South China Sea?

5. What actions by China led the U.S. to request its Pacific allies to increase their military presence in the South China Sea?

6. How do you think the other governments involved regard the U.S.’s push to make their united presence felt?