China claims virtually the entire South China Sea as its territory and is building manmade islands there topped with airstrips and other infrastructure.
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Although, the U.S. has not taken a stand on the conflicting claims to the South China Sea, it has opposed China’s efforts to claim the waters and has stressed freedom of navigation in the vital sealane.
Carter said his presence on the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis, which was sailing about 60 to 70 miles West of the Philippines’ main island, Luzon Island, was to send “a message to the region”.
U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter arrived in the Philippines on Wednesday to highlight strong and growing military relations with a crucial Southeast Asian ally as China assertively pursues its claims in the South China Sea.
“In the South China Sea, China’s actions in particular are causing anxiety and raising regional tensions”, Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said during a visit to Manila.
In addition, up to 75 U.S. troops, mostly Marines, would remain in the Philippines “on a rotational basis” after the conclusion of joint “Balikatan” U.S.-Philippines military exercises this week. The statement also referenced China’s long-standing opposition to USA military alliances in the region. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims to parts of the waters.
China has said it has completed construction work to turn seven reefs into islands in the disputed Spratlys archipelago in the South China Sea, a move condemned by the USA and other partners in the region.
In a brief statement, China’s Defence Ministry said Fan Changlong, one of the vice chairmen of the Central Military Commission which controls China’s military, had recently visited some of China’s islands and reefs there.
“These patrols will continue to help build our interoperability and improve the Philippine navy even as these patrols contribute to the safety and security of the region’s waters”, Carter said at a press conference in the Philippines.
Philippines Defense Minister Gazmin added the USA presence “will deter uncalled for actions by the Chinese”.
The base is now called Philippine Air Force Facility.
Before flying from Manila to visit the warship, Carter emphasised the United States would support the Philippines and other allies as they faced “coercion and intimidation”.
US allies have been bolstering defense ties with the Philippines, with Australia sending troops to participate in joint exercises with USA and Philippine forces, and Japan sending a submarine and two destroyers to visit a Philippine naval base this month.
The Philippines and a number of other countries in South East Asia have territorial disputes with China over the South China Sea.
Washington must be reminded of one simple fact: neither muscle-flexing nor arbitrary intervention will shake China’s resolve to safeguard its sovereignty and maritime rights, a commentary appeared in Xinhua said. “This is the network – peaceful, principled, and inclusive – America continues to stand for, and stand with”. The country’s aim has always been to solve the South China Sea dispute peacefully and has been steadfast in achieving this goal.
“This new level of USA military activity that Secretary Carter is trumpeting is tantamount to the full return of U.S. military supremacy in the Philippines, in a level not seen since the Commonwealth days”.
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Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Kang accused the G-7 diplomats of “hyping up maritime issues and fueling tensions in the region”.
