OPINION:
China and Russia are to shortly initiate an eight day naval exercise in the South China Sea. Provocatively, in light of Chinese militarization of disputed atolls in the region, a large part of the exercise will practice joint “island defense.” In other words, troops of both nations will coordinate and practice taking an island with amphibious and airborne troops.
“Our cooperation is not aimed against anyone and is meant to protect our mutual interest and ensure security in all naval regions. It’s good to have two powerful nations cooperate,” said Adm. Aleksandr Fedotenkov, deputy commander of the Russian navy, reports RT.
Both countries provided navy surface ships, submarines, fixed-wing aircraft, ship-borne helicopters, and armored amphibious equipment, said Chinese navy spokesperson Liang Yang.
Obviously these exercises are meant to send a message to the U.S. Navy and the White House that the South China Sea belongs to China and Russia will help China defend them if need be. America must expect these provocations and troop deployments to continue. The next administration will have to show the world forcefully that America is serious about defending the freedom of navigation in international waters.
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