Photo: Admiral John Aquilino
The head of the US Indo-Pacific Command, Admiral John Aquilino, said on Tuesday, April 9, that Washington is very concerned about Beijing's recent, dangerous, as the admiral emphasized, actions in the disputed areas of the South China Sea after clashes with Philippine ships.
Speaking in Sydney, Aquilino mentioned the recent clashes between Chinese and Philippine ships around the Spratly Islands, AFP news agency reported.
"I am very concerned about what is happening in Thomas's Second Shoal– Aquilino said. – I'm very, very concerned about where this might lead.
Since the 1990s, China has sought to gain control of the southwest Pacific, leading to a standoff with its neighbors. also claiming various islands, atolls, reefs and shoals.
Two collisions between Chinese and Philippine vessels have occurred in the area of the Second Thomas Shoal in the past month. Chinese ships fired water cannons at Philippine vessels.
Both countries claim the resource-rich area, a vital maritime crossroads for regional trade.
China claims Second Shoals Thomas is within the zone of Chinese control, covering almost the entire South China Sea.
The United States came out in support of the Philippines in response to China's actions.
As Admiral Aquilino stated, unilateral steps Beijing “are dangerous, illegal and destabilizing the region.”
"What's next and how far are they willing to go in the area?" – This is how the head of the Indo-Pacific Command formulated the problem.
Prepared by: Sergey Daga