China says the United States is "militarizing" the South China Sea. Does it have a valid argument?

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Thu, 30 Jul 2015 09:47:37 -0400

China's Defense Ministry on Thursday accused the United States of "militarizing" the South China Sea by staging patrols and joint military drills there, ramping up the rhetoric ahead of a key regional security meeting in Malaysia next week.

China has repeatedly urged Washington not to take sides in the escalating maritime dispute over the area, where the Asian giant last year stepped up its creation of artificial islands, alarming neighbors and provoking U.S. criticism.

Washington has demanded China halt land reclamation and militarisation of the disputed area and pursue a peaceful resolution according to international law.

China has been angered by U.S. navy and air force forays through waters it claims as its own, especially this month, when U.S. Navy Admiral Scott Swift said he joined a routine surveillance flight.

The United States has also stepped up military contacts, including drills, with regional allies such as the Philippines, which also has claims in the South China Sea.

The United States was hyping up the "China threat" and attempting to sow discord between China and other claimant countries, Defense Ministry spokesman Yang Yujun told a monthly news briefing.

"China is extremely concerned at the United States' pushing of the militarisation of the South China Sea region," he said. "What they are doing can't help but make people wonder whether they want nothing better than chaos."

For a long time, the United States had carried out frequent, widespread, close-in surveillance of China, by sending ships and aircraft to the region, he added.

"Recently they have further increased military alliances and their military presence, frequently holding joint drills."

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/china-says-us-militarizing-south-china-sea/ar-AAdHEjg

China says U.S. "militarizing" South China Sea

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jul 30 at 2015 10:59 AM

LTC Stephen F. — Thu, 30 Jul 2015 10:59:45 -0400

Well GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad Militarizing is somewhat of a vague station for one of the older superpowers to be leveling at another since we both operate in areas removed from our borders. WE have been training and patrolling in the South China Sea since WWII.
Chine is pushing for hegemony in the Spratley Island region where it wants to control the substantial oil and natural gas reserves.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jul 30 at 2015 11:13 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Thu, 30 Jul 2015 11:13:05 -0400

That's kind of our thing isnt it? How many bases in how many different countries across the globe? That's empire building...

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Jul 30 at 2015 11:33 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Thu, 30 Jul 2015 11:33:50 -0400

They can't have it both ways. If they start making islands all around sovereign nations then they have a lot of moxy to ask for us to stay out of it.

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Jul 30 at 2015 12:01 PM

LTC Kevin B. — Thu, 30 Jul 2015 12:01:48 -0400

Maybe so, but "China started it" by building an island and putting a military base on it.

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Jul 30 at 2015 1:08 PM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Thu, 30 Jul 2015 13:08:22 -0400

Japan: Militarized islands would expand China influence ...

Japan's top naval officer says the entire South China Sea could fall under China's military sphere of influence if it uses the artificial islands it has built there for military purposes.

Adm. Tomohisa Takei urged countries in the Indo-Pacific region to forge strong relations with the U.S., whose presence he said was needed for regional stability.

His remarks Wednesday at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace think tank reflect Japanese concern with assertive behavior by China, a strategic rival.

U.S. ally Japan is not among the half-dozen claimant states in the South China Sea, but Takei said those waters need to be free and open for regional prosperity.

China says the new outposts will support services like maritime search and rescue, but hasn't denied they'll have military functions too.

http://www.militarytimes.com/story/military/2015/07/29/japan-militarized-islands-would-expand-china-influence/30861633/

Japan: Militarized islands would expand China influence

Japan's top naval officer says the entire South China Sea could fall under China's military sphere of influence if it uses the artificial islands it has built there for military purposes.

Response by PFC Gracie Bieda made Aug 18 at 2015 5:08 AM

PFC Gracie Bieda — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 05:08:10 -0400

That Rod of God blast on Tianjin China means retaliation. Once Marshall law is declared no more media coverage. Somebody is pissed about currency devaluation.

Response by PFC Gracie Bieda made Aug 18 at 2015 5:12 AM

PFC Gracie Bieda — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 05:12:27 -0400

https://youtu.be/_oLFOVJ6qcE

Massive Explosion at Chinese Petrol Plant

Chemical tank with liquid hydrogen caught fire and exploded at Port of Rizhao, China. Into the fire fighting of the giant explosion were engaged 300 fire fig...

Response by SrA Art Siatkowsky made Nov 12 at 2015 10:37 PM

SrA Art Siatkowsky — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 22:37:07 -0500

I think we need to step up the fly bys like we did today with the B52s.....soon as we let up they will lay claim to that region.