From the Daily Tribune (Oct 8): US naval presence to remind China America ready to prevent bullying
The frequent arrival of United States naval assets in the Philippines and other Asia Pacific countries is not meant only to strengthen bilateral relationships but also to remind China that the US military is just around to prevent bullying in the area and to maintain stability. A US Navy officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Camp Aguinaldo reporters that the US military continuously conducts port calls and other military activities in various countries in the region to guard against possible bullying by China. “Basically, we are here to protect the interest of small countries like the Philippines, Malaysia, Japan,” said the US Navy officer. “They (US naval assets) show presence in the Philippines, stopping by in Manila and Olongapo to show to China that we are here, we’re not gonna leave these guys… we’re not gonna let them bully the Philippines,” said the officer. The US Navy officer said that more than 50,000 troops are stationed in Okinawa, Japan. “We need to maintain presence in the area so that you will not be bullied by China and Iran,” added the US officer. The officer even cited instances when US naval assets, while underway to the Philippines, chanced upon Chinese ships. The US Navy officer claimed that the US intelligence is well aware of the developments in the region....
http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/nation/item/5384-us-naval-presence-to-remind-china-america-ready-to-prevent-bullying
Tribune must be making this stuff up. I find it hard to believe that nowadays there is a U.S. military officer that could be so ill-informed as to make such comments to a member of the media.
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