US, China Raise Tensions Over Maritime Issues
U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel calls China’s actions in a
near-collision in the South China Sea irresponsible. He also warned that
such incidents could aggravate tensions in the region. This latest
episode could test the increased U.S. emphasis on Asia.
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“There’s a high possibility of some incident, which probably wouldn’t
escalate into a war between the U.S. and China but would certainly
involve some shooting and leave a lot of diplomatic wreckage behind,”
said [Richard] Cronin.
Cronin, who directs the Stimson Center’s Southeast Asia Program, says
China also is projecting power by declaring an air defense
identification zone in the East China Sea over islands administered by
Japan.
“So it’s all about pushing us out, and it’s also about trying to expand the rights it’s entitled to,” he said.
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