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US, China Step Up Activities in South China Sea Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Li Bao

   WASHINGTON - An old geopolitical hotspot is poised to boil againamid
   the coronavirus pandemic,withU.S.and Chinesewarships steppingup their
   presence in the South China Sea.

   "This week the United States conducted two successful freedom of
   navigation operations in the South China Sea. TheUSS Barryand theUSS
   Bunker Hillboth started and ended a full transit at a time and place of
   our choosing, as we always do,"Chief Pentagon spokesman Jonathan
   Hoffman told reporters Friday.

   TheUSS Bunker Hill, a guided-missile cruiser deployed to the Western
   Pacific theater,sailed through watersnearthe Spratly Islandsthat are
   claimed by China and several other countrieson Wednesday.TheUSS
   Barryguided missile destroyer on Tuesdaysailed through waters near the
   Paracel Islands, which are claimed by China, Vietnam and Taiwan.

   Bothtransitsare legally permitted by international law
   andchallengedcontroversialmaritime claims in the South China Sea.

   Hoffman said China's"interference with international navigation" and
   "excessive territorial claims"have persisted in the region despite
   "very strong push-back from the United States, international community,
   and many of their neighbors."

   "Sowe will continue to sail where we're legally allowed to, and we'll
   continue to encourage our allies and partners around the world to do
   the same,"the Pentagon spokesmanadded.

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