MANILA, Philippines — As the US Navy vows to maintain its presence in the South China Sea, its chief clarified that naval operations in the region are not meant to provoke any country. China has been protesting US freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea, the latest of which was when two US warships sailed near Gaven and Chigue reefs in the Spratly Islands last week. Adm. John Richardson, US Navy chief, clarified that these operations are "just normal" types of operations for them. Richardson stressed that the US Navy's freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea abide by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). As they have done so in the past 70 years, the US will continue to maintain its presence in the South China Sea, part of which is the West Philippine Sea.

Source: Philippine Star May 17, 2019 07:52 UTC