Admiral Stephen Koehler, the US Pacific Fleet Commander, expressed serious concerns over China’s activities in the Indo-Pacific region, pointing out that its aggressive behavior and illegal claims are threats to regional peace. Speaking at the South China Sea Conference, he made it clear that the US Navy’s mission is to deter aggression in the Western Pacific, including the South China Sea and Taiwan. Koehler noted China’s increasing deployments and aggressive actions, including military drills simulating a Taiwan invasion and blockade. He detailed instances of China’s aggressive tactics, such as the use of water cannons, ship collisions, and lasers, and even the assault on Philippine Navy personnel. The US Navy considers the Indo-Pacific its primary operational theater, deploying considerable resources. The conference also featured Tetsuo Kotani, a senior fellow at the Japan Institute of International Affairs, who addressed Japan’s strategic concept for enhanced defense collaboration, emphasizing that Taiwan’s inclusion in regional security frameworks is essential for long-term stability in the area.
