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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsAP Exclusive: US admiral says China fully militarized isles
By JIM GOMEZ and AARON FAVILA an hour ago
OVER THE SOUTH CHINA SEA (AP) China has fully militarized at least three of several islands it built in the disputed South China Sea, arming them with anti-ship and anti-aircraft missile systems, laser and jamming equipment and fighter jets in an increasingly aggressive move that threatens all nations operating nearby, a top U.S. military commander said Sunday.
U.S. Indo-Pacific commander Adm. John C. Aquilino said the hostile actions were in stark contrast to Chinese President Xi Jinpings past assurances that Beijing would not transform the artificial islands in contested waters into military bases. The efforts were part of Chinas flexing its military muscle, he said.
I think over the past 20 years weve witnessed the largest military buildup since World War II by the PRC, Aquilino told The Associated Press in an interview, using the initials of Chinas formal name. They have advanced all their capabilities and that buildup of weaponization is destabilizing to the region.
https://apnews.com/article/business-china-beijing-xi-jinping-south-china-sea-d229070bc2373be1ca515390960a6e6c
And just think when the authoritarian speaks in China and says one thing, well they are doing something else....always....
dalton99a
(81,392 posts)Don't ever believe anything Beijing says
Tetrachloride
(7,816 posts)In the War of the Pacific, 1941-45, America got experience in island hopping and assault. Hence, we still have Marines.
Gore1FL
(21,098 posts)I have to wonder how much this is costing them, and how much more that is than they originally thought.