China/South China Sea: US Military Commander Says China Pushing South China Sea Claims under Cover of COVID-19

Jun 5, 2020 | Tim Kelly, Reuters
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China is using the coronavirus as a cover to push territorial claims in the South China Sea through a surge in naval activity meant to intimidate other countries that claim the waters, the commander of U.S. Forces in Japan said on Friday. There has been a surge of activity by China in the South China Sea with navy ships, coast guard vessels and a naval militia of fishing boats in harassing vessels in waters claimed by Beijing, said Lieutenant General Kevin Schneider.