U.S. to Prevent Unforeseen Clashes in S. China Sea, Continue Patrols

Yokosuka, Japan (PNA/Kyodo) — The U.S. military will work to prevent unforeseen clashes in the South China Sea, where Beijing is reclaiming land on disputed islands and continue its patrols there, the commander of the U.S. 7th Fleet said Monday.

In an interview aboard the Blue Ridge command ship, Vice Adm. Robert Thomas said Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force can operate anywhere in the world and expressed hope that the U.S. ally will cooperate with other countries such as the Philippines and Australia to boost its presence in the South China Sea.

The navy commander made the remarks amid the heightening tension between China and the United States over Beijing’s reclamation work on the Spratly Islands.

U.S. Defense Secretary Ashton Carter, in a speech Saturday, blamed China as the “source of tension” in the region, saying the United States will protect freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea. (PNA/Kyodo) FFC/PJN