WASHINGTON: By releasing video of Beijing’s island reclamation work and considering more assertive maritime actions, the United States is signaling a tougher stance over the South China Sea and trying to spur Asian partners to more action.
The release last week of the surveillance plane footage — showing dredgers and other ships busily turning remote outcrops into islands with runways and harbors — helps ensure the issue will dominate an Asian security forum starting on Friday attended by US defense secretary Ash Carter as well as senior Chinese military officials.