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FILE – This May 11, 2015, file photo, shows land reclamation of Mischief Reef in the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea. (Ritchie B. Tongo/Pool Photo via AP, File)

OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 6:45 AM PT — Friday, December 13, 2019

The commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet is slamming China for stoking tensions in the South China Sea. While in Bangkok Friday, U.S. Admiral John Aquilino criticized China over its construction of artificial islands in the region, which reportedly impede trade in the important waterway.

This comes amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and China in the South China Sea as Washington has taken steps in recent months to protect freedom of navigation in the area.

“Over $3 trillion in trade passes through the South China Sea each year and the importance of all nations to be able to access that sea space enables the prosperity of all the nations,” explained the U.S. Admiral. “And just to highlight the ultimate intent of the United States is to enable the free and open Indo-Pacific.”

In this photo released by U.S. Embassy in Bangkok, U.S. Navy’s Pacific Fleet Commander Adm. John Aquilino talks to reporters during an interview at U.S Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, Dec. 13, 2019. China’s activities in territory it claims in the South China Sea are meant to intimidate other nations in the region, the commander said. (U.S. Embassy in Bangkok via AP)

Aquilino went on to say the U.S. will remain in the region indefinitely to assure there is free and fair trade, and is willing to work with Beijing as long as it doesn’t break international laws.

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