US flies two B-52 bombers over disputed waters near China
The US Air Force has flown a pair of strategic nuclear-capable B-52 bombers over the disputed waters near China, in a move that is expected to raise Beijing’s ire.
“Two B-52H Stratofortress bombers took off from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, and participated in routine training missions, March 4, 2019,” a statement from US Pacific Air Forces, which oversees air operations in the region, said on Wednesday.
The statement added that one of the long-range bombers conducted “training” in the vicinity of the South China Sea, which is almost entirely claimed by China and through which $5 trillion in shipping trade passes annually.
The South China Sea – which sits atop vast reserves of oil and gas -- is in part claimed by Taiwan, Brunei, Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines.
The last time the US sent bombers through the South China Sea was in November 2018.
The US military further said the second bomber went on a similar mission alongside the Japanese Air Force over the East China Sea, which has been the subject of a separate maritime dispute involving Beijing and Tokyo, among other neighboring countries.
The US – which usually sides with Beijing’s rivals in the territorial rows -- claims the Pacific Command’s frequent aerial missions over the disputed islands of both seas are intended to ensure the readiness of US forces, and are in accordance with international law.
Besides its aerial missions, Washington also sends warships close to the islands claimed by China in what the US calls “freedom of navigation” patrols.
China, however, sees such flights and naval patrols as both clear provocation and a show of force challenging its sovereignty. It says such deployments could easily trigger miscalculation or even accidents at sea or in air.
Beijing has on numerous occasions warned the US against interfering in its territorial disputes with its neighbors.
The recent maneuvers could further escalate tensions between Washington and Beijing, which are currently locked in a trade dispute.
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