To counter China's growing maritime power in the East and South China Seas, the United States and Japan have announced plans to begin joint development of a number of fast Independence class littoral combat ships, our Chinese-language sister paper Want Daily reports.Originally only one of the vessels was planned for construction, but the US Navy has asked Congress to authorize another 10. Including the vessel currently under construction, a total of 12 of the ships will join US naval forces, with 12 more Freedom Class littoral combat ships planned. With a trimaran hull and futuristic design, the ships based on the USS Independence will be able to reach a speed of 50 knots and have a range of 10,000 nautical miles.

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To Counter PLA Navy.........