US Forces in the Pacific to Expand War Drills in the Disputed South China Sea

The United States Navy which is considered as one of the world superpowers in the high seas confirmed to the media that they will continue to defend the US freedom of navigation operations in the disputed South China Sea, saying these are aimed at reducing tensions in the region.

US Navy Ships

During a gathering of visiting journalists from Southeast Asia ahead of the Special ASEAN Summit, the chief of the US Forces in the Pacific, Admiral Harry Harris Jr., US Pacific Command (Pacom) chief stressed the United States desire to expand military exercises in the South China Sea.

“The patrols we have, whether singularly or jointly, not only in the South China Sea but also in the region help decrease tension and improve stability because it reinforces the notion that freedom of navigation is important,” Harris said at Pacom headquarters.

Admiral Harris, however, refused to confirm reports that the United States and India plan to conduct joint patrols in the South China Sea.

The United States wants its regional allies and other Asian nations to adopt a more united stance against China over the South China Sea, where tensions have spiked since China’s construction of seven artificial islands in the Spratly archipelago.

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