The United States will never dare to challenge the might of the Chinese military in the South China Sea for fear of the consequences, an American researcher says.
“US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter’s comments are all bluster and bravado,” said Dennis Etler, a professor of Anthropology at Cabrillo College in Aptos, California.
He made the remarks on Wednesday when asked to comment on Carter’s statement that the US military forces will be present in the South China Sea like other international waters.
“Make no mistake, the United States will fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows, as we do around the world, and the South China Sea will not be an exception,” Carter said on Tuesday.
Commenting to Press TV, Etler said, “China has never threatened to block access to the South China Sea or to impede navigation through the region.
“Chinese leaders have said time and time again that they respect the law of the seas and want to ensure that shipping lanes are open to all.