“Countries across the Asia-Pacific are voicing concern with China’s land reclamation, which stands out in size and scope, as well as its militarisation in the South China Sea”, Carter said.
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China will “resolutely defend” its interests in the face of stepped-up U.S.-Philippine military cooperation, the Defense Ministry said, accusing the two allies of militarizing the region and harboring a “Cold War mentality”.
Carter did not say specifically where in the South China Sea the patrols took place.
The Foreign Ministry told China Daily, “The military exchanges… should not target a third party, not to mention supporting some countries to provoke China’s sovereignty and security, flaring regional contradictions and damaging regional peace and stability”.
Mr. Carter reported the USA confirmation at a news conference with Philippines Defence Secretary Voltaire Gazmin in Manila.
Many nations, led by the US, have been speaking in support of the Philippines about the alleged “militarization” of the disputed waters.
“These patrols will continue to help build our inter-operability and improve the Philippine Navy, even as these patrols contribute to the safety and security of the region’s waters”, he said.
“There is no question that there is concern in the region about China’s behavior and China’s self-isolating behavior”, he said.
About 200 USA airmen from multiple Pacific Air Forces units are being deployed with three HH-60G Pave Hawks, five A-10C Thunderbolt IIs and an MC-130H Combat Talon II to Clark Air Base on Luzon island through the end of the month.
Carter was in the Philippines to meet with his defense counterparts and observe the closing ceremonies of Balikatan, an annual joint exercise involving more than 5,000 US personnel.
Those patrols have drawn sharp rebukes from China, but US officials have said the United States will continue to challenge what it considers unfounded maritime claims.
The ministry’s comments came shortly after the April 14 announcement that Washington would send troops and aircraft to the Philippines for increased rotations and step up joint sea and air patrols with Philippine forces in the South China Sea. Up to 75 Marines will also stay at Camp Aguinaldo to support increased United States of America and Philippine combined military operations in the region.
Philippines Defense Minister Gazmin added the USA presence “will deter uncalled for actions by the Chinese”.
The country’s aim has always been to solve the South China Sea dispute peacefully and has been steadfast in achieving this goal.
“There is going to be regular, periodic presence here of American forces”, Carter said. Last week, the U.S. pledged about $40 million to the Philippines in military assistance for surveillance and naval patrols.
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Brunei does not claim any of the disputed islands, but Malaysia claims a small number of islands in the area. He is expected to be named as President Barack Obama’s choice as new Secretary of Defense, according to several USA administration officials.
