Militarization of Crimea heightens threat to NATO’s southeastern flank Print this article The U.S. European Command confirmed to the Washington Examiner that enhancing defense partnerships in the Black Sea region is a new focus area.
As Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin mulls over European force posture changes, the United States and NATO are already bolstering land, sea, and air exercises in addition to heavy military investment in the Black Sea region, where Russia is threatening NATO partners with hybrid warfare and a growing military presence in Crimea.
NATO partner Romania is vying to be a hub for that effort and win an increased U.S. troop presence, spending $10 billion on military infrastructure, including rail, road, airstrip, and base upgrades aimed at creating strategic flexibility for the U.S. on NATO s southeastern flank.
South China Sea row: Beijing fumes as US sends navy warship near disputed region
South China Sea row: Beijing fumes as US sends navy warship near disputed region
The Guided-missile Destroyer USS Dewey Conducted A Patrol Within 20 Kilometres Of Mischeef Reef, Part Of The Spratly Islands Over Which Several Countries, Including China, Have Competing Claims. PTI | Updated on: 25 May 2017, 04:29:24 PM
WASHINTON:
Tensions have escalated between the US and China after the former sent a navy warship near an artificial island in the disputed South China Sea as part of the first freedom of navigation operation under President Donald Trump.
The move by the US has prompted China to say that the provocative action violated its sovereignty.