The United States remains committed to patrolling the South China Sea given its interest in keeping trade flowing, a senior official said.
This photo taken on May 14, 2019, US coastguard ship Bertholf maneuvers during a joint search and rescue with their Philippine counterpart near Scarborough shoal. Two Philippine coastguard ships, BRP Batangas and Kalanggaman and US coastguard cutter Bertholf participated in the exercise, as two Chinese coastguard ships monitor from a distance. AFP PHOTO
He denied claims by Beijing that the patrols were provocations and urged partners in the region to also step up operations in the area. Jakarta and Canberra, Richardson said, were both “strong advocates” of maintaining stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region.