ABOARD THE USS RONALD REAGAN/TOKYO ¨C Peering over the deck of a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier sailing through a disputed part of the South China Sea, U.S. Navy Rear Adm. George Wikoff said he¡¯s been impressed with the professionalism of China¡¯s navy.
¡°They remain respectful in accordance with what we anticipate a professional would do, and we respond or initiate in kind when we believe that there is a situation,¡± said Wikoff aboard the Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture-based USS Ronald Reagan last week, after taking over command of Task Force 70 two weeks ago. ¡°It has been very cordial, and I think they have been very professional is really what I¡¯d like to emphasize on both sides.¡±
Sailing within waters China claims in its so-called nine-dash line off the coast of Malaysia, the $4.5 billion supercarrier was accompanied by one destroyer and two cruisers. It was headed for Singapore as part of freedom of navigation exercises meant to counter China¡¯s growing military presence in the region at a time when both countries are embroiled in a global trade war.
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