By Tenzin Monlam
DHARAMSHALA, FEB 20: The US Navy has deployed its aircraft carrier in the disputed South China Sea for ‘routine operations’ despite China’s strong protest against the US challenging its sovereignty in the region.
The Pentagon on Feb 18 confirmed that US Navy’s Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1 has begun its routine operations. Rear Admiral James Kilby, Commander of CSG 1 said, “We are looking forward to demonstrating those capabilities while building upon existing strong relationships with our allies, partners and friends in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.”
However, China sees it as a means to undermine its sovereignty.
“China respects and upholds the freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea which countries enjoy under international law, but firmly opposes any country’s attempt to undermine China’s sovereignty and security in the name of the freedom of navigation and overflight,” said Geng Shuang, Spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry of China.
With many Asian countries crying foul over China’s territorial claims in the disputed South China Sea and East China Sea, Tibetan Prime Minister Dr. Lobsang Sangay last week in Osaka said that lack of support for Tibet 60 years ago has encouraged China into thinking that they can do the same with other nations.
In light of China’s claim over Japan controlled Senkaku Island in East China Sea, the Tibetan PM said, “China is everywhere in Asia. As no one prevented China from invading Tibet, it has made them feel like they can do the same with other countries. So Tibet is a litmus test for the world.”
Despite objections from neighboring countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Brunei and Philippines, China claims most part of the South China Sea, which is both a busy international sea route and rich in oil deposits. China has also built an artificial island in the disputed sea to serve as their military base camp.
China maintains that it has historical claim over the South China Sea. After the fall of Japan in WW II and loss of its control over the maritime territory, China grabbed the opportunity to reclaim it as its own.
