Some people will try and make a lot of this.Naval Today said:The U.S. Navy will sail, fly and operate wherever international law allows, Admiral Harry B. Harris, Commander of the United States Pacific Command, said at an Armed Services House committee hearing yesterday, February 24.
The U.S. Navy Admiral, in confirmation of U.S. fears, said that China was “clearly militarising” the region by setting up missile launchers on the disputed islands.
Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi, when asked about the missile launchers and radars, did not deny anything and reasoned that the “limited and necessary” defence facilities on the islands were within international law regulations.
Asked about what could be done to stop China in its intentions and deter militarization, Harris said he believes a stronger naval presence might do the job. He added that the U.S. Navy could consider putting another attack submarine in the region, among other options which would not entail a full-blown carrier group.
The Admiral, however, did note that an enhanced engagement could face certain “fiscal and political hurdles”.
As the tensions in the region are constantly on the rise, U.S. officials are continuing to endorse the freedom of navigation policy in the South China Sea, most of which China claims for itself.
But it is perfectly in line with what I had said in the past. Short of open conflict...
The US cannot stop China from reclamation and improving its holdings in the SCS.
China cannot stop the US Navy from conducting its FON exercises in the SCS.
In the end...it will be China's position in the SCS that will strengthen more.
The US Navy does not have bases there. The closest they have will be the old US Bases in the Philippines which are being reopened to them.
But there is only so much naval presence that can be sailed through and maintained in the actual SCS by the US.
China's ability to do so will continue to grow as they improve their bases that are directly in the SCS.
Both sides will make hay out of the situation to their populations...and to their defense budgets.