Japan prepares to send its largest warship to the South China Sea.

Japan's helicopter carrier Izumo is expected to transit the South China Sea for an extended period before participating in naval exercises with the United States and India.

Three sources told Reuters that Japan plans to send its largest warship to the South China Sea for a three-month voyage, starting in May.

If this were to happen, it would be the largest display of naval power in the region since World War II.

The helicopter carrier Izumo at Yokosuka base. Photo: Reuters.

China claims sovereignty over most of the disputed waters in the region. China's increased military presence there has raised concerns in both Japan and the West. Meanwhile, the United States has responded by conducting regular air and naval patrols to ensure freedom of navigation.

The helicopter carrier Izumo, which entered service two years ago, will make stops in Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka before participating in the Malabar joint naval exercise with Indian and US warships in the Pacific in July.

Sources indicate that the Japanese ship will return to Japan in August.

One source said about the plan: "The aim is to test the capabilities of the Izumo through its deployment in an expanded program... It will participate in training exercises with the US Navy in the South China Sea."

A spokesperson for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force declined to comment on the incident.

Japan has no territorial claims in the South China Sea, however, it has disputes with China in the East China Sea.

Another source said Japan wants to invite Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to visit the Izumo when it visits Subic Bay, about 100km west of Manila. Duterte has recently been pushing for closer ties with China while criticizing his ally, the United States.

When asked about the invitation, President Duterte simply replied, "If I have the time."

The Japanese naval training exercise comes amid a tougher stance toward China by the United States under President Trump. Washington has criticized China's construction of artificial islands and military facilities that the U.S. fears will be used to restrict freedom of navigation.

The Izumo, measuring 249 meters in length, is as large as Japan's World War II-era aircraft carriers. It can carry up to nine helicopters. The ship resembles the amphibious assault ships used by the US Marine Corps. However, it lacks a launch deck for landing craft.

Under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Japan has become increasingly assertive on military matters.

The Izumo is based in Yokosuka near Tokyo. Its primary mission is anti-submarine warfare.

According to VOV