China's Actions in Asia Risk Undermining Trust, U.S. Navy Says
- U.S. rear admiral says other nations working to improve trust
- Naval drills taking place between U.S. and 11 other nations
U.S. Navy Sailors conduct flight operations on the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson flight deck in the South China Sea, on April 8, 2017.
Source: U.S. Navy via Getty ImagesThis article is for subscribers only.
While trust among Southeast Asian nations is improving, especially to counter threats from piracy and terrorism, China is acting to protect its own interests at the cost of others, according to U.S. Rear Admiral Don Gabrielson.
Gabrielson, commander of the Logistics Group Western Pacific, said nations should not seek to undermine the “existing system” through unilateral actions, without naming a particular country. He later said China, which has turned reclaimed reefs in the disputed South China Sea into military outposts, was proceeding with a “long-term plan” for the region.