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| US Marines Beach Assault Exercise (File Photo) |
The United States Pacific Command has stationed more than 1,200 special forces troops in the Asia-Pacific along with the latest advancements in weapons technology to contain China's rising presence in the region, reports the Beijing-based Sina Military Network.
The article points to comments made by the US defense secretary, Ashton Carter, during his recent 10-day tour of Asia-Pacific countries and attendance at the 14th Asia Security Summit in Singapore, during which he stressed the importance of the Asia Pacific to US interests, insisting that Washington is determined to create an atmosphere of trust, assist in resolving territorial disputes and ensure stability and safety in the region.
In late April, shortly before he embarked on the trip, Carter also said at a speech at Stanford University that while the US welcomes China and India's rise, the Pentagon needs to maintain an American presence in the Asia-Pacific "because it's a reassurance to many there" given the role of the US in maintaining peace in the region over the past 70 years.
America's most recent national military strategy issued in February made it clear that the US is, has been and always will be a Pacific nation, adding that Washington has maintained diverse relations with various Asian countries while also strengthening its military presence in the Asia Pacific for the sake of ensuring regional security. Indeed, the US has been active in building stronger ties with Japan, South Korea, Australia and the Philippines, and has also been exploring partnerships with Southeast Asian nations such as Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia.
Read the full story at Want China Times