Chinese fishing vessels set sail for the Spratly Islands. Photo: AFP
CNBC: US reportedly warns China over hostile non-naval vessels in South China Sea
* The head of the U.S. Navy warned China that hostile behavior from its coast guard and fishing boats will not be treated any differently from the Chinese navy, the Financial Times reported on Sunday.
* These non-naval ships have been used to help Beijing stake its claim in the disputed South China Sea, the London-based newspaper reported Richardson as saying.
* The warning comes as China increasingly relies on its coast guard and maritime militia — or marine industry workers trained alongside its navy — to expand its military presence in the region.
The head of the U.S. Navy has warned China that hostile behavior from its coast guard and fishing boats will not be treated any differently from the Chinese navy, the Financial Times reported on Sunday.
In an interview with the FT, Admiral John Richardson said he told Chinese vice-admiral Shen Jinlong in January that Washington will respond to aggressive acts by these non-naval ships the same way it has with the People’s Liberation Army Navy.
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WNU editor: No one in the region likes China's "unofficial" Navy .... Beijing’s maritime militia, the scourge of South China Sea (Asia Times).
More News On The U.S. Navy Warning China That Hostile Behaviour From Its Coast Guard And Fishing Boats Will Be Confronted
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US warns China on aggressive acts by fishing boats and coast guard -- Business Times/Financial Times
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