前戏做的够足的U.S. to send warships into disputed seaWASHINGTON - The United States has told nations in Southeast Asia it willsend naval vessels soon into what China claims as its territory in thedisputed West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), diplomatic sources saidSunday.The United States is expected to sail warships within 12 nautical miles ofartificial islands that China has created in the Spratly Islands in defianceof opposition from other claimants, such as the Philippines and Vietnam,the sources said.The 12-nautical-mile zone delimits territorial seas under a U.N. convention.Although senior U.S. government officials have hinted at the envisaged navalpatrols, conveying the plan to the countries involved through diplomaticchannels underscores President Barack Obama''s strong opposition to theChinese territorial claims.The move is likely to escalate tensions between the two countries as ChineseForeign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a press conference last week, "We firmly oppose any country using the freedom of navigation and over-flight as an excuse to undermine other countries'' sovereignty and security."
The U.S. government earlier this month conveyed its plan for securing the "freedom of navigation" to nations around the disputed waters and soughttheir understanding of the plan to be carried out soon, without elaboratingwhen, the sources said.Washington has not patrolled within the 12-nautical-mile zones around theChinese-controlled reefs since 2012, according to a high-ranking U.S.Defense Department official.Although the Obama administration has avoided sending military ships forfear of a possible backlash from Beijing, it decided to do so amid China''scontinued landfill work and building of facilities in the region.Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping remained apart over the matter duringtheir summit at the White House last month.
评论 (0)