While the world’s attention is focused on the devastating coronavirus crisis, China is executing an aggressive plan to seize control of a key region COVID19
China insists almost the entirety of the 3.4 million sq km sea between Vietnam, the Philippines and Malaysia belongs to it. Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia – and other bordering countries – disagree. As does the international court of arbitration.
Beijing rejected the rulings and has been accused of using its growing military and economic influence to compel surrounding nations to surrender their claims.“When fighting an intense battle, does anyone think of how much prize they will get after the war? The most important thing is doing your best and racing against time to achieve the final victory,” foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said last week.
Yesterday, the Chairman of the Joint Chierfs of Staff, US Army General Mark Milly, warned the pandemic was not an opportunity opponents should attempt to exploit. “I wouldn’t want any mixed messages going out there to any adversaries that think they can take advantage of an opportunity, if you will, at a time of crisis. That would be a terrible and tragic mistake if they thought that.
“ we are ready today, we’ll be ready tomorrow. And we will adapt ourselves to be able to operate within a COVID-19 environment. We’re already doing that.”
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