By: Cid Standifer USNI

Over the past three years, the U.S. and China have been at odds over the status of Chinese artificial islands in the South China Sea and U.S. Freedom of Navigation Operations. 

https://cdn.knightlab.com/libs/timeline3/latest/embed/index.html?source=13uIEkuwB6YWWUd7dAPZTueeRMpJ9ztmzE_h6E9JqV0c&font=Default&lang=en&initial_zoom=2&height=650

The Origin of FON Ops
1979

The U.S. government initiated a Freedom of Navigation Program to contest “unilateral acts of other states designed to restrict the rights and freedom of the international community.” The program includes both maneuvers designed exclusively to challenge maritime claims the U.S. considers excessive, and operations with other purposes that incidentally challenge territorial claims.

Continue reading on CVD >>

US Defense Secretary James Mattis accused China of “intimidation and coercion” in the Indo-Pacific and declared that the United States does not plan to abandon its role in the region during a speech Saturday in Singapore.

Last update 18:21 | 01/06/2018 vietnamnet

US Defence Minister James Mattis urged Vietnam and the US to enhance cooperation in defence industry and consider signing suitable documents to create a foundation for the collaboration.

US Defence Minister James Mattis and Vietnamese Defence Minister General Ngo Xuan Lich (Source: qdnd.vn)

He made the proposals at a meeting with Vietnamese Defence Minister General Ngo Xuan Lich on the sidelines of the 17th Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on June 1.

The US is taking into account the transfer of jet trainers and other equipment to Vietnam, the US officer said.

Continue reading on CVD >>