The U.S. chief of naval operations says Russia’s military buildup along the Ukrainian border and China’s continued military activity near Taiwan are in part testing the cohesion of the U.S.-led coalition.
U.S. Navy Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gildy delivers opening remarks to the Future of Maritime Operations Study Conference in Norfolk, April 14, 2021. (U.S. Navy photo)
U.S. Navy Secretary of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday outlined how China and Russia could expand their influence during his opening remarks to the Future of Maritime Operations Symposium Wednesday, April 14, at Naval Station Norfolk, Va.
The symposium was attended by representatives from NATO allies and NATO commands, as well as the U.S. military.
In his opening remarks, Admiral Gildy said, “Against the backdrop of this complex and fluid environment, eager competitors have signaled their desire to challenge a free and open international order,” according to a transcript of his remarks posted on the U.S. Navy website. China and Russia are testing our cohesion, and they are doing so today, whether on the Ukraine-Russian border or in the Taiwan Strait. They are operating in a way that deliberately undermines our transatlantic security.”
The remarks by the top U.S. Navy officer came a day after the Office of the Director of National Intelligence said in its latest annual assessment of threats to the United States that Russia would increase its “strategic cooperation” with China, further challenge the limits of the current international order and counter Washington as much as possible on a global scale Russia will intensify its “strategic cooperation” with China, further challenge the limits of the current international order, and counter Washington as much as possible on a global scale, using various means including the use of force.
In his speech, General Girdi stressed the importance of continued cooperation among allies.
“Mutually shared capabilities and enhanced capacity will help bridge the gaps that exist in the Atlantic that potential adversaries can exploit,” General Girdi said. “The outbreak of a military conflict in the Atlantic seems unlikely. But then again, military conflicts are often unlikely until the moment they begin. We have to be prepared, we have to think differently and challenge our own assumptions.”
Clashes between Russian-backed separatists and Ukrainian forces in eastern Ukraine have been ongoing since Russia annexed Crimea in 2014. Russia is also now amassing its largest force on Ukraine’s eastern border since 2014.
On Thursday, President Biden signed an executive order imposing several tough sanctions on Russia, including the expulsion of diplomats, in response to Russia’s cyberattacks on the United States and interference in last year’s U.S. election, among other actions.
The U.S. intelligence report said of China that its efforts to expand its growing influence are one of the biggest threats to the United States and that it is a competitor that increasingly has near-rivaled U.S. power.
The report said China’s Communist Party will continue to use a whole-of-government approach to “expand China’s influence, weaken U.S. influence, create divisions between Washington and its allies and partners, and foster new international norms favoring China’s authoritarian regime.”
China is taking increasingly aggressive actions in the South China Sea, East China Sea, and Taiwan Strait.
The Philippines accuses China of illegal fishing in the waters around Whitsun Reef, which is part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, and has amassed more than 240 vessels. China calls Whitsun Reef an ox-yoke reef. China says the reef is part of China’s Spratly Islands (Spratlys).
The Republic of China military says this Monday, 25 Chinese military aircraft entered Taiwan’s air defense identification zone, the most since last year.
“China’s frequent dispatch of warships as well as military aircraft to conduct military activities in the surrounding sea and airspace not only changes the status quo in the Indo-Pacific region, but also threatens regional peace and stability,” Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said during a meeting with an unofficial delegation sent by U.S. President Joe Biden in Taipei on Thursday.
Recent Comments