QUEZON CITY, Philippines (Eagle News) — United States Navy Lt. Commander Tim Hawkins said that China’s artificial islands will not stop the US Navy from patrolling international waters.
“International law allows us to operate here, allows us to fly here, allows us to train here, allows us to sail here, and that’s what we’re doing and we’re going to continue to do that,” Hawkins said.
Hawkins also said that the US Navy has been patrolling international waters for a long time to ensure naval security and peaceful trade between the United States and Asia.
“The reason why we are operating in the Western Pacific, well the Navy has been doing it for years. For 70 years we have been operating routinely not only in the South China Sea but throughout the Western Pacific to do a few things, to work with our partners and allies, not only work with our partners and allies but also promote regional security, stability and kinda re-assert our belief that all should operate in accordance with international law, rules, standards and norms in order to keep the seas free and commerce moving freely,” Hawkins said.