Navy Times By: Christopher Bodeen 10/8/2019
This is a weekly look at recent developments in the South China Sea, where China is pitted against smaller neighbors in multiple territorial disputes over islands, coral reefs and lagoons. The waters are a major shipping route for global commerce and are rich in fish and possible oil and gas reserves.
US NAVY IN JOINT OPERATIONS IN SOUTH CHINA SEAThe U.S. 7th Fleet said Sunday the ships and aircraft from the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group and the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group staged joint “high-end warfighting exercises†in the South China Sea.
"Our operations in the Indo-Pacific are focused on maintaining regional stability and security," Rear Adm. George Wikoff, commander of Task Force 70, was quoted as saying in a news release from the Pacific Fleet.
"Our presence reflects our commitment to the values we share with the many partners and allies in the region, and we stand prepared to deter those who challenge these mutual values with the overwhelming force of our combined carrier and amphibious strike groups," Wikoff said.
US, JAPAN, INDIA NAVIES HOLD EXERCISESThe Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine Oklahoma City joined forces Sept. 30 with ships, aircraft and personnel from the U.S., Japanese and Indian navies.
The Malabar 2019 exercise hosted by Japan brings together China's chief rivals in the region in what Beijing likely views as an attempt to stifle its expanding influence and assertions of its territorial claims.
More:
https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2019/10/07/navy-exercises-sprawl-across-western-pacific/
