U.S. reconnaissance planes performed 1,200 missions in the East China Sea last year

Hu Bo, director of the East China Sea Strategic Posture Monitoring Program (SCSPI), a research organization based in Beijing, said on December 27 that the number of large reconnaissance planes operated by the United States in the East China Sea has increased by 200 compared to last year.

In addition to reconnaissance aircraft, the US military sent aircraft carrier battle groups and amphibious battle groups 13 times last year. East China Sea, Doubled from 2020. Director Ho Ba stated that in 2021, at least 11 US nuclear attack submarines will also operate in the East China Sea and surrounding areas.

The director of SCSPI stated that the United States and China have no intention of starting a war, but expressed concern about the increased risk of conflict caused by emergencies.

“The two sides have fought repeatedly in the air and sea in the East China Sea. Any mistakes or improper handling will lead to serious consequences,” He Ba said.

The US Department of Defense did not comment on these reports.

The US Navy and many other countries have recently increased their presence in the Pacific and South China Seas, demonstrating the importance of this region to the world. The United States has continuously deployed freedom of navigation patrols in the East China Sea, while Japan, Australia, Canada, and India have sent warships. practice On the Pacific Ocean.

The United States has repeatedly opposed China’s unreasonable claims in the region, accusing China of militarizing the South China Sea and threatening neighboring countries.Experts said in February that U.S. activities in the East China Sea showed that the president’s government Joe Biden It will not curtail the activities that challenge China’s sovereignty claims in the South China Sea.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Le Thi Thu Heng reiterated Vietnam’s clear and consistent position on the sovereignty of the Huangsha and Changsha Islands and the East China Sea at a press conference on November 18.

“Vietnam requires all parties to abide by international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in all activities in the East China Sea, refrain from taking actions that complicate the situation, and contribute to the maintenance of peace and harmony. Peace, maritime security in the region, Stability and legal order,” Hang said.

Ruan Jin (follow South China Morning Post)