Ash Carter leads from the front and carries a big stick

OPINION:

American Secretary of Defense Ash Carter led from in front as he warned China over its militaristic activities and behavior in the South China Sea, standing on the deck of the USS Roosevelt, affectionately called, The Big Stick.

The Financial Times reports on Ash’s comments, there is “a lot of concern about China in the region…Many countries in the region are coming to the United States and asking us to do more with them so that we can keep the peace out here.” Mr. Carter warned of “extravagant claims and the militarisation, principally by China.”

The speech by Secretary Carter comes of the heels of the United States Navy sailing within twelve nautical miles of the submerged reefs the Chinese are claiming as sovereign territory. Obviously the Obama administration has made a decision to stand up to the Chinese aggression. The forceful moves by the navy are also a signal to America’s Pacific allies who are wary and nervous over Chinese behavior.

If you look at the map, the geographical area that China is claiming is simply ridiculous and cannot stand if the world is to maintain freedom of the seas. Many countries in the region are looking for closer ties with the United States as they too become worried and concerned. It goes without saying that the U.S. Navy is stretched thin and the next American administration has a big job on its hands to rebuild American naval power.