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June 4, 2012

Pentagon to Shift Naval Fleet to Asia 
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The Pentagon has announced a new phase in its increased militarization
of the Asia-Pacific region. On Saturday, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta
said the United States will shift the bulk of its naval fleet to the
Pacific by 2020. Panetta says the fleet will include: "Six aircraft
carriers, a majority of [U.S.] cruisers, destroyers, littoral combat
ships, and submarines ... to project power and operate in the
Asia-Pacific." Speaking at a summit in Singapore, Panetta rejected
speculation the move is an effort to intimidate China.

Leon Panetta: "Many in the region and across the world are watching the
United States and China relationship. Some view the increased emphasis
by the United States in the Asia Pacific region as some kind of
challenge to China. I reject that view entirely. Our effort to renew and
intensify our involvement in Asia is fully compatible with the
development and growth of China."

 

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