US naval drills in South China Sea a ‘provocation’: Journalist
America’s planned naval maneuvers in the South China Sea close to China’s artificial islands is a sign of US President Barack Obama’s “desperation and weakness” in dealing with Beijing, an activist and journalist in Washington says.
Washington’s plan to sail warships near the disputed region in the coming weeks “has no purpose other than a military provocation,” said Mike Billington, the Asia editor for the Executive Intelligence Review.
“These kinds of provocations are a desperate sign of the weakness of this president who is increasingly capable of being removed through impeachment,” Billington told Press TV on Friday.
“The US is massively militarizing the entire region; they’re forming a ring around China and Russia’s Far East with anti-ballistic missile systems,” he added.
The Financial Times reported on Thursday that the US plans to sail warships in the South China Sea close to China’s artificial islands to signal it does not recognize Beijing’s territorial claims over the disputed area.
US navy ships are preparing to sail through a 12-nautical mile zone around the disputed Spratly Islands that China claims as its own territory, the report said, citing a senior US official.
The US official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the sea maneuvers were expected to start within the next two weeks, the report said.
The Navy Times newspaper had reported on Wednesday that the US Navy may soon receive approval from the White House to carry out the mission.
The move will likely raise tensions between the two nations amid disagreement over other issues, including cyber espionage and unfair trade practices.
On Thursday, China expressed "serious concern" about the US plan to challenge Beijing’s territorial claims.
China insists it has sovereignty over nearly all of the South China Sea. The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also have overlapping claims.
China and Japan also have conflicting claims in the East China Sea.
The US does not recognize China’s sovereignty in the disputed waters and has sent surveillance aircraft and warships to monitor Chinese activities.
Observers believe America’s efforts to increase its presence in the region is aimed at containing China’s growing power.
Beijing accuses Washington of meddling in the regional disputes and deliberately stirring up tensions in the region.
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