Monday, June 08, 2015

CHINA - South China Sea Expansion

"Defense Secretary Carter in Vietnam warns China again over South China Sea expansion" PBS NewsHour 6/1/2015

Excerpt

SUMMARY:  During a visit to Vietnam, Defense Secretary Ashton Carter spoke out about tensions in the South China Sea, where the Chinese have been rapidly building reefs into human-made islands.  President Obama said China shouldn’t be “throwing elbows” over its claim.  While Beijing denies hostile intent, the Pentagon says surveillance flights have spotted artillery systems.  William Brangham reports.

WILLIAM BRANGHAM (NewsHour):  The secretary’s Asia-Pacific tour took him to Vietnam today, but China, and its recent moves at sea, were never far from mind.

ASHTON CARTER, Defense Secretary:  The United States opposes militarization and the creation of tensions in the South China Sea, even though we are not a claimant to the South China Sea.’

WILLIAM BRANGHAM:  The issue also drew President Obama’s attention at a White House event today.  He suggested that China may have some legitimate claims, but:

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA:  They shouldn’t just try to establish that based on throwing elbows and pushing people out of the way.  If in fact their claims are legitimate, people will realize them.

WILLIAM BRANGHAM:  The clash of claims now focuses on the Spratly Islands, where the Chinese are rapidly building reefs into man-made islands.



"How far should U.S. go in South China Sea territory dispute?" PBS NewsHour 6/1/2015

IMHO:  In school, especially through the 8th grade, I quickly learned if you don't stand up against bullies they will own you.  Therefore my answer is that the region and U.S. should do what ever it takes to stand up to China's bulling.

Excerpt

SUMMARY:  President Obama and Defense Secretary Ashton Carter have urged China to curb activities in the disputed South China Sea territory.  Vietnam and other allies have also been advised to ease off.  Should the U.S. do more to tamp down growing tensions?  William Brangham talks to Michael Auslin of the American Enterprise Institute and Kenneth G. Lieberthal of the Brookings Institution.

No comments: