US Navy to boost sails in South China Sea
The United States Navy plans to ramp up what it calls "freedom of navigation" operations in the South China Sea, in the face of harsh criticisms from China that views the move as provocation.
The sailings involve a US warship coming within 12 nautical miles of islets claimed by China as a way of rebutting Beijing's assertions of sovereignty.
"We'll be doing them more and we'll be doing them with greater complexity in the future," Admiral Harry Harris, the commander of the US Pacific Command, told lawmakers in Washington.
"We'll fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows."
Since October, the Navy has carried out two such freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea, saying the missions are an important way of upholding international law.
Now Scott Bennett, former US Army psychological warfare officer, believes the situation in the disputed area will not lead to a war between the United States and China.
“I don’t think it will turn into a confrontation between China and the United States because China is more intelligent and it realizes that the only thing that can prop up the United States is a war and the United States is desperate for a conflict somewhere,” Bennett told Press TV on Thursday.
Reports say China is using dredgers to turn reefs and low-lying features into larger land masses for runways and other military uses to bolster its claims of sovereignty in the region.
Satellite imagery released by a Washington think tank this week shows China is installing radar facilities on its artificial islands.
"China's intent to militarize the South China Sea is as certain as a traffic jam in DC," Harris told the House Armed Services Committee in reference to congestion on the streets of Washington.
He did not offer specifics on the upcoming freedom of navigation sailings but suggested they be carried out by a type of destroyer that "is well able to defend itself should those operations go awry."
Russia launches 'ICBM' for first time against Ukraine: Kiev
Occupied US bases in eastern Syria hit by rocket fire
White House split over Biden’s 'horrific' Israel policy: Report
Nov. 23: ‘Axis of Resistance’ operations against Israeli occupation
Lindsey Graham threatens to sanction US allies backing ICC arrest warrants
VIDEO | Tens of thousands of Catalans protest to demand access to better housing
Israel launches air strikes on Syria-Lebanon border crossing
Russia: Comprehensive deal with Iran will include defense, security ties
VIDEO | Israeli embassy shooting in Jordan leaves gunman dead, 3 police injured
VIDEO | Paris march in support of Palestine women
VIDEO | ICC issues arrest warrants for Israeli prime minister, ousted regime war minister
PressTV NEWSLETTER
now
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
