Ashton Carter visits United States carrier in S China Sea

A meeting of Asean defence ministers failed to reach a joint statement on the South China Sea that the United States was coaxing in what seems to be a diplomatic victory for China.

The USS Lassen’s mission was part of America’s “routine freedom of navigation operations”, Harris said in his speech, meant to “prevent the decomposition of global laws and norms”.

“We urge all claimants to permanently halt land reclamation, stop the construction of new facilities and cease further militarization of disputed maritime features”, Carter said.

The USA insists it has freedom of navigation in the area but the ship visit angered China, which called it a threat to Chinese sovereignty.

The gathering was overshadowed by disputes over the waters after the US Navy last month sailed a warship to within 12 nautical miles of an artificial island built by China, thus challenging its territorial claims.

Malaysian Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai, who chairs the meeting, said ASEAN countries will work together with China on the Belt and Road initiative.

The Philippines has consistently contended that a stronger stance should be taken on the territorial ambitions of China.

China’s defense minister Chang Wanquan told U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter on Tuesday that China’s “people and military will not stand for any infringements of China’s sovereignty and relevant interests”.

Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei and Taiwan all also have various claims, a few overlapping, though none are as extensive as Beijing’s.

What we sign in a joint declaration is not going to resolve the issue of duplication of claims, nor is it going to wish the vessels that are in the East Sea away.

Although China and the USA are NOT members these invited guests created a bigger buzz at this year’s ASEAN defense ministers meeting plus summit.

“China has consistently respected and safeguarded all countries’ freedom of navigation and overflight enjoyed under worldwide law”, Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman Hua Chunying (華春瑩) said yesterday when asked about the Carter carrier visit before it took place.

“That’s the fundamental point”, Carter said, indicating the US intends to hold Xi to his word.

The defence minister said the ADMM-Plus has emerged as a compact and useful forum for discussing security issues among officials of the ministries of defence of the region and has contributed to greater trust and confidence within the region.

“The Teddy Roosevelt’s presence there and our visit is a symbol of our commitment to a rebalance and the importance of the Asia Pacific to the United States”, Carter said. “The South China Sea is not – and will not – be an exception”, he added, according to a transcript. “It’s better than not having it in the document, but of course we could have a better statement”, the official said.