US Bombers Conduct Patrol In South China Sea

The Pentagon revealed recently that two B52 strategic bombers flew close to one of the artificial islands built by China in the South China Sea. While Chinese ground controllers contacted the bombers, they completed their mission without any problems.

The latest patrol of the US in the disputed region happened prior to the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation or APEC summit, which will be attended by President Barack Obama. President Obama is anticipated to reiterate the commitment of the US to ensure freedom of navigation in the region.

A good part of the South China Sea is being claimed by China. The United States indicated that patrols will be conducted to ensure unobstructed passage within the region, where over $5 trillion in world trade passes through annually. Parts of the region are also claimed by Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam and the Philippines.

Pentagon spokesman Commander Bill Urban said even as the latest mission saw the two bombers flying close to the Spratly Islands, they did not fly within the 12-nautical-mile zone, which China considers its territory around the artificial islands. He said the bombers were conducting a routine mission in the area.

Urban added that the bombers completed their mission without any issues even after they were contacted by Chinese ground controllers. Another Pentagon spokesman, Peter Cook, said the US will continue to conduct flights in international air space in the region.

US Bombers Conduct Patrol In South China Sea - image credit: wsj.com

A month ago, an American warship conducted a freedom of navigation patrol in the area and sailed within the 12 nautical miles of one of the artificial islands of China in the Spratly archipelago. The patrol is the most significant challenge of the United States to the territorial limits claimed by China.

John Earnest, spokesman for the White House, said he was unaware of any plans of including the South China Sea in the formal agenda of the three summits in Asia that will be attended by President Obama. However, it is expected to be “on the minds and lips” of the world leaders attending the events.

The US president will initially attend the APEC summit in Manila, which will also be attended by President Xi Jinping of China. After the APEC, the US president will attend the East Asia and ASEAN summits in Kuala Lumpur.

Earnest said the US is concerned about ensuring the protection of freedom of navigation and free flow of commerce within the South China Sea. He added that they will “continue to encourage all parties” to find a diplomatic resolution to their differences and avoid using their respective strengths and sizes to threaten their neighbors.

President Obama is expected to join an event showcasing the maritime security assistance the US will provide to the Philippines to show the resolve of the US. However, no details were revealed about the event.

US Pacific Command head Navy Admiral Harry Harris visited the National Coast Watch Center in September. The facility is located at the headquarters of the Philippine Coast Guard where Admiral Harris provided assistance in improving the capability of Manila in monitoring any developments within the South China Sea.

Posted by James Fried on Friday November 13 2015, 10:21 AM EDT. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under World. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0