- Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said the US is willing to work with China on a “results oriented” relationship, but that Beijing’s actions in the South China Sea were coercive and the Pentagon would “compete vigorously” if needed.
- China’s air force landed bombers on disputed islands and reefs in the South China Sea as part of a training exercise, triggering concern from Vietnam and the Philippines.
- Satellite photographs taken on May 12 showed China appeared to have deployed truck-mounted surface-to-air missiles or anti-ship cruise missiles at Woody Island in the disputed sea.
SINGAPORE (Reuters) – The United States is willing to work with China on a “results oriented” relationship, but Beijing’s actions in the South China Sea were coercive and the Pentagon would “compete vigorously” if needed, US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said on Saturday.
The comments by Mattis, speaking at the annual Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, come at a time of increased tension between the two nations in the South China Sea and highlight how President Donald Trump’s administration is looking to balance China’s cooperation on North Korea while dealing with its activities in the disputed sea.See the rest of the story at Business Insider
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See Also:
- The Philippines says its ready for war if its troops are harmed in the disputed South China Sea
- Infamous North Korean to head to US to prepare for Trump-Kim summit
- 2 US warships just sailed near South China Sea islands claimed by Beijing
