Tensions rise in the West Philippine Sea, also known as the South China Sea by the International Hydrographic Organization.
Last week a Chinese naval vessel came dangerously close to USS Cowpens (CG-63), a US guided missile warship. The Chinese ship crossed directly in front of the USS Cowpens. An anonymous U.S. official stated the Cowpens had been “in the vicinity” of China’s new aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, when the incident occurred. The Liaoning is China’s first aircraft carrier put into service in 2012.
Last month Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel ordered U.S. Navy ships to the Republic of the Philippines as humanitarian aide following the Typhoon Haiyan.
References
Laude, J. (2013, December 14). Chinese vessels beef up patrols in West Phl Sea. The Philippine Star. Retrieved December 13, 2013 from http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/12/15/1268193/chinese-vessels-beef-patrols-west-phl-sea
American Forces Press Service. (2013, November ). Hagel Orders Aircraft Carrier, Ships to Philippines. Retrieved December 14, 2013 from http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=121100