US Pacific Fleet Aims to Deter Aggression in South China Sea, Taiwan

Admiral Stephen Koehler, commanding the US Pacific Fleet, reaffirmed the fleet's aim to thwart aggression in the South China Sea, covering Taiwan, during the 15th annual South China Sea Conference in Hawaii. He cited China's heightened military maneuvers as part of its regional dominance agenda, warning of the risks to regional interests.

Koehler outlined the fleet's mission: to prevent aggression across the Western Pacific alongside allies, prepared to triumph in any conflict. This deterrence encompasses both the South China Sea and Taiwan, stressing that conflict in these areas could endanger regional nations' interests.

Currently, two carrier strike groups patrol the region: USS Nimitz, actively engaged around the South China Sea, and USS George Washington, patrolling from its Japan base. Meanwhile, USS Tripoli heads to Japan, as the USS America group participates in Australia's Talisman Sabre exercise.

Looking forward, China is expected to maintain pressure on Southeast Asian countries over South China Sea disputes. Japan's Tetsuo Kotani urges a unified response to East Asia's conflict zones, advocating for collective action among allies. He stressed Taiwan's pivotal role in maintaining Indo-Pacific peace and challenged Beijing's 'one China' policy that complicates military collaborations.

Kotani has called for Taiwan to engage in joint exercises like Balikatan and Rim of the Pacific, promoting military interaction, as reported by Taipei Times.

(With inputs from agencies.)