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.”
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.
Having an economic environment, where nations don’t play by the rules, works to the detriment of our global leadership and economic position, said Adm. Phil Davidson during a panel on U.S.- China Relations at the Reagan National Defense Forum. #RNDF pic.twitter.com/nlBU3th0yI
— U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (@INDOPACOM) December 7, 2019