Despite a warning from the Chinese Navy, the United States will continue patrolling the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea), a US Defense official said on Thursday.

Randall Schriver, US defense assistant secretary for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs, said patrols are part of their routine operations in the South China Sea.

He cited China’s occasional ‘transparency’ in conducting its affairs in territories in the contested sea.





Such demonstration of actions and challenges by China, according to him, will have no impact or effect on how the US operates at sea.

Last Friday, the US Navy’s P-8A Poseidon surveillance plane received a radio message from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, asking the plane to fly away from the Subi (Zamora) Reef, where the Chinese built artificial islands and set up military installations.

“I have every confidence we will continue to fly, sail and operate where international law allows,” Schriver told reporters in a roundtable interview at the US Embassy in Manila.

The freedom of navigation operations (Fonops) was part of the United State’s overall approach to China and its global program, he said.

Schriver noted the US Fonops are part of a “much broader principle” but require a comprehensive approach to the South China Sea.

He assured Southeast Asian countries who claim territories in the South China Sea that the US State Department will provide them assistance in pursuing legal claims, as part of their government approach to the dispute.

The American official said Washington understands Beijing’s interest to pursue drills that exclude the United States in the disputed territories with Southeast Asian nations.

He cited the importance of individual countries in making decisions and understanding China’s aspirations and intents for the Southeast Asian region.|

He, however, said the US could provide alternatives to China’s promotion of its interests.

“We can’t fork China’s initiatives,” Schriver said. “But we can offer alternatives and I think we can show that we will be a reliable partner.”