Carter's trip to the warship is the latest move by the United States to show it is committed to maintaining security in the flashpoint waters, where China has built artificial islands on islets and reefs close to the Philippines and other Southeast Asian nations.
Carter announced on Thursday that the US had launched joint naval patrols with the Philippines in the South China Sea, as he spoke of growing concern about China's "land reclamation" and "militarisation" of the area.
He also said the United States would deploy hundreds of troops, as well as five warplanes, to the Philippines.
China reacted immediately to the announcements on Thursday, warning the US actions were damaging regional stability .... https://www.yahoo.com
