US Indo-Pacific Commander Accuses China of Increasing Tensions in Region

Commander of the US forces in the Indo-Pacific, Admiral John Aquilino, accused China of gradually increasing tensions in the South China Sea through its increasingly dangerous military activity in the region. In an interview with the Financial Times on Sunday, Aquilino said that during the three years he spent as commander of US forces in the Indo-Pacific region, China increased the pace of military development and destabilizing behavior, as the matter became more aggressive and dangerous. "China is escalating its aggressive behavior by gradually raising pressure so that the ultimate danger is not appreciated until it is too late. There must be a continuous description and follow-up of China's behavior, which exceeds international legal standards by all countries in the region", he added. Aquilino's statements come after a three-day visit by US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken to China, where the top US diplomat held meetings with senior Chinese officials, including Chinese President Xi Jinping. Source : Qatar News Agency