US patrols destabilize region, experts say
The intensifying United States naval patrols in the South China Sea will increase militarization and destabilize the otherwise peaceful region, leading to greater risks and possible confrontation between China and the US, Chinese experts have warned.
On Sunday, Reuters reported that the Pentagon is considering more assertive types of freedom-of-navigation operations close to Chinese islands and their surrounding waters in the South China Sea. The news agency cited two unnamed US officials and Western and Asian diplomats.
Such moves could involve longer patrols, larger numbers of ships and closer surveillance of Chinese facilities in the area, the report said, adding that the US also is pushing its allies to increase their own naval deployments to counterbalance China's military presence in the region.
