CHINA-US: US NAVY SUBMARINE FLEET IN SOUTH CHINA SEA
|
The US Pacific Fleet Submarine Force announced (May 18) that all its forward-deployed subs were simultaneously conducting “contingency response operations” in the Western Pacific. The Submarine Force said the missions were mounted to support the Pentagon’s “free and open Indo-Pacific” policy to counter China’s expansionism in the South China Sea. It also highlights the Pentagon’s desire to be flexible and unpredictable in “great power” competition with China. At least 7 submarines and possibly more, including all 4 Guam-based submarines, the San Diego-based USS Alexandria and multiple Hawaii-based subs are part of the effort.
|