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Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Decatur, left, and Chinese warship PRC 170, right, during what the US Navy called an unsafe and unprofessional incident in the South China Sea on Sept. 30, 2018. US Navy photo, obtained by gCaptain.
China ratcheted up its response to U.S. Navy freedom of navigation operation over the weekend, sending a Luyang-class destroyer on a near-collision-course with USS Decatur (DDG-73), but the reasoning behind the move is likely more nuanced than defending territory.
A U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon assigned to the Mad Foxes of Patrol Squadron (VP) 5 is on display next to the newest maritime patrol asset of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, the Kawasaki P-1, in November 2014. VP-5 is forward deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility conducting theater anti-submarine warfare operations and joint interoperability efforts with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. US Navy photo.
Japan should be added to the “Five Eyes” intelligence-sharing network between the United States and its closest allies, argues a new report, along with other recommendations to strengthen the relationship between the U.S. and one of its closest treaty allies. Read More
Admiral Philip Davidson, Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (Indo-PACOM), and General Carlito Galvez, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines signed agreements on security cooperation activities for 2019 at this year’s Mutual Defense Board and Security Engagement Board. U.S. embassy photo.
U.S. and Philippine military leaders pledged increased cooperation and collaboration in 2019 despite past anti-American rhetoric from the Pacific nation’s president and his stated desire to foster closer ties with China.
Guided-missile destroyer USS Decatur (DDG-73) operates in the South China Sea on Oct. 13, 2016
Arleigh Burke guided-missile destroyer USS Decatur (DDG-73) was approached Sunday morning in the South China Sea by a Chinese warship in what Navy officials are calling an unsafe and unprofessional maneuver.
A CH-53E Super Stallion takes off the flight deck of the Royal Australian Navy landing helicopter dock ship HMAS Adelaide (L01) during an amphibious demonstration as part of the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise, July 29. US Navy photo.
ABOARD HMAS ADELAIDE, OFF THE COAST OF HAWAII – Australia’s amphibious force was a breakout star of the Rim of the Pacific 2018 exercise, being thrust into visible leadership role when the U.S. Navy’s amphibious assault ship suffered mechanical failures and remained pierside for most of the at-sea exercise. Read More
A naval soldier of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) views through a pair of binoculars onboard China’s first aircraft carrier Liaoning as it visits a military harbor on the South China Sea. Xinhua Photo
While revoking China’s invitation from the Rim of the Pacific 2018 maritime exercises was a symbolic move, it sent a signal that the United States is willing to confront Beijing and maintain American leadership in the Western Pacific, the top Pentagon official for the region said Tuesday. Read More
China’s aircraft carrier Liaoning takes part in a military drill of Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy in the western Pacific Ocean, April 18, 2018. PLA Photo
China persists in employing a variety of tactics to coerce Taiwan, its maritime neighbors and put more pressure on Japan, a panel of experts agreed last week. Read More
USS Benfold (DDG-65) and USS Mustin (DDG-89). US Navy Photo
Two U.S. guided missile destroyers transited the Taiwan Strait this weekend, a U.S. defense official confirmed to USNI News on Saturday. Read More
Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning underway. PLAN Photo
Through its navy, coast guard, a loose collection of armed fishing vessels, and a network of military bases built on artificial islands, Beijing has gained de facto control of the South China Sea, a panel of Indo-Pacific security experts said Friday. Read More
USS Dewey (DDG-105) transits the South China Sea on May 6, 2017. US Navy Photo
THE PENTAGON — The war of words over last weekend’s U.S. Navy freedom of navigation operation in the South China Sea continued on Thursday at press conferences in Beijing and Washington.
