Disputes over territory in the South China Sea are causing countries in the region to increase their demand for an American security presence, the U.S. defense chief said on Sunday. A U.S. warship sailed within 12 nautical miles of one of China's man-made islands in South China Sea on Tuesday in the most significant U.S. challenge yet to
Dangerous Escalation: Pentagon Chief Calls For Increasing Military Presence Off China’s Shores
The move triggered an angry rebuke from Beijing and a warning that a minor incident in the area, which is one of the world’s busiest sea lanes, could spark war if the United States did not stop what it called “provocative acts.”
By Reuters
![In this photo taken on Sunday, March 17, 2013, and released by the South Korean Navy via Yonhap on Monday, March 18, 2013, South Korea and U.S. warships participate in their joint military drill Foal Eagle in South Korea's West sea.(AP Photo/South Korea Navy via Yonhap) KOREA OUT](https://stage.mintpressnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/041613_ChinaUSMilitary_16x9-1148x645.jpg)