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| F-35 Lightning II (File Photo) |
WASHINGTON — The United States plans to deploy some of its newest warships and other high-tech weapons to the Asia-Pacific as part of a strategic shift to the region, a U.S. defense official said Dec. 19.
The Pentagon will send P-8 submarine-hunting aircraft, cruise missiles, Virginia-class submarines, coastal combat ships and F-35 fighter jets to Asian ports and bases in coming years, the senior official told reporters.
“What you’re seeing is part of a bigger effort; the Pacific theater will get the newest weapons systems first,” he said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The Pentagon has promoted a tilt to Asia after a decade of ground wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, reflecting concern over China’s growing military power and its assertive stance in territorial disputes with its neighbors.
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