Institute for Maritime and Ocean Affairs

www.imoa.ph

U.S. Briefing Asian Allies on Plans for Naval Patrols in South China Sea

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October 12, 2015

ADIZ, Air Defense Identification Zone, Artificial Islands, China, Militarization, Military Conflict, Philippines, Reclamation, Regular Patrols, South China Sea Dispute, Spratlys, USA

BEIJING — The United States has been briefing its allies in Asia on plans to conduct “freedom of navigation” naval patrols near artificial islands built by China in the disputed South China Sea, a move that could escalate tensions with Beijing after President Xi Jinping’s recent visit to Washington, American and Asian officials have said.

The patrols, which would come within 12 nautical miles of at least one of the islands, are intended to challenge China’s efforts to claimlarge parts of the strategic waterway by enlarging rocks and submerged reefs into islands big enough for military airstrips, radar equipment and lodging for soldiers, the officials said.