Tensions have been rising in the South China Sea over the past
several years and in 2010-2011 the issue moved to the top of Asia’s
security agenda. In addition to the traditional drivers of the
dispute, including rivalry over maritime resources, nationalism,
and attempts by claimant states to consolidate their jurisdictional
and legal claims, an extra layer of complexity has been added by
the increasing involvement of extra-regional powers, particularly
the United States, but also Japan and India. While a major conflict
is unlikely, how will a more assertive China and the build-up of
military capacity affect the region?
Seeing China navy to carrying out Pacific exercises
China's navy will carry out exercises in the Pacific Ocean in
the coming days, amid continuing tension over maritime disputes in
the region.
The defence ministry said the drills were routine and were not
targeting any specific country.
China is locked in territorial rows with several nations, and the
US has recently made a series of announcements bolstering its
presence in the region.
A Pentagon spokesman said the US had no problem with the naval
exercises.
Captain John Kirby said that China was "entitled to exercise their
military in ways they deem fit".
A short statement on the defence ministry's website announced the
exercises late on Wednesday.
"This is an annual, planned, routine drill. It is not directed at
any specific country or target and is in keeping with relevant
international laws and practices," said the statement.
"China's freedom of navigation and other legal rights should not be
obstructed."
Japanese defence officials reported seeing six warships sailing in
international waters near the country's southern Okinawa
prefecture.
China has clashed with several other nations in the South China
Sea, where countries including Vietnam and the Philippines have
overlapping claims.
US President Barack Obama announced last week that the US was
boosting its presence in the region, and will base a full Marine
task force in northern Australia.
Analysts say the US move is a direct challenge to China's attempts
to dominate the area, and is likely to bolster US allies in the
South China Sea dispute.
The region is big enough to accommodate the two powers.