Beijing Think Tank Says U.S. Military Operations In South China Sea Increase Risk Of Confrontation

The plan for a new-look US Marine Corps has been developed to address scenarios of possible conflicts with the Chinese navy in the Pacific. Photo: Reuters

SCMP: US military operations in South China Sea increase risk of confrontation, think tank says

* American forces conducted eight freedom of navigation operations in disputed waters in 2019, three more than in the previous year
* Beijing says its air force and navy held a joint exercise in the South China Sea on March 10 to simulate face-to-face encounters with invading aircraft and warships

The United States intensified its military activity in the South China Sea
last year, raising the risk of a confrontation with China in the strategically important waters, according to a Beijing-based think tank.

The US conducted eight so-called freedom of navigation operations in the year – three more than in 2018 – during which its vessels sailed within 12 nautical miles of land claimed or occupied by China, according to the South China Sea Strategic Situation Probing Initiative’s annual report.

American forces also engaged in at least 50 joint and multiple exercises with countries from Southeast Asia and elsewhere in the region, it said.

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Update: Plans for trimmer, faster US Marines in Pacific ‘a threat’ to China (SCMP)

WNU Editor: The question that should be asked is the following .... Are Chinese Military Operations In The South China Sea Increasing The Risk Of Confrontation? Sadly it is not going to be asked. In the meantime this is what China is really hinting at .... Beijing may step up drills in South China Sea amid rising tensions with US military, analysts say (SCMP).

Update: I do not blame the Taiwanese. I would not let my guard down .... Taiwan military is prepared for any Chinese attack, says defence minister (SCMP).