A U.S. Navy destroyer sails near the China-claimed Paracel Islands in the South China Sea in a "freedom of navigation" operation, the 7th Fleet says.
Tensions between the United States, China and Indonesia are searing in the hotly contested waters of the South China sea after a Chinese vessel trespassed into Indonesian waters recently.
| UPDATED: 14:52, Sat, Mar 13, 2021
Link copied
South China Sea: Expert predicts no conflict for five years Sign up to receive our rundown of the day s top stories direct to your inbox
SUBSCRIBE Invalid email
When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time.
A French frigate docked at Cam Ranh Port in Vietnam on Tuesday for helicopter repairs, according to local reports. But the French ambassador to Vietnam said the frigate’s visit was in support of “freedom of navigation”, challenging China’s claim of sovereignty over the South China Sea.
Trending
Tensions have been high in the region, with both US and Chinese forces carrying out military exercises throughout the South China Sea.
The document also mentioned dispensing and sustaining combat operations for extended periods “if needed”.
To accomplish this, the US Indo-Pacific Command is seeking $4.68 billion (£3.38 billion) in the upcoming fiscal year.
In a conference speech on March 1, Admiral Philip Davidson, leader of the US Indo-Pacific Command, said: “The greatest danger we face in the Indo-Pacific region is the erosion of conventional deterrence vis-à-vis China.
US military urges Congress to approve new missile defences (Image: Getty Images)
US and Philippine Marines during joint exercises 2018 (Image: Getty Images)