As tension rose over a US-China sea dispute, President Barack Obama met China's top diplomat yesterday to stress the need for more frequent and intense communications to avoid military confrontations that could upset a relationship crucial to solving global crises.
source:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-warships-head-for-south-china-sea-1644484.html
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On March 9, 2009 Chinese Ships Harassed Unarmed Navy Craft in International Waters
WASHINGTON -- Chinese ships surrounded and harassed a Navy mapping ship in international waters off China, at one point coming within 25 feet of the American boat and strewing debris in its path, the Defense Department said Monday. The Obama administration said it would continue naval operations in the South China Sea, most of which China considers its territory, and protested to China about what it called reckless behavior that endangered lives.
source:
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/03/09/pentagon-chinese-ships-harassed-unarmed-navy-craft-international-waters/
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Russia continues air surveillance over Sea of Japan
VLADIVOSTOK, March 20 (RIA Novosti) - Russian Pacific Fleet aircraft have been conducting scheduled patrol exercises this week over the Sea of Japan, where U.S. Navy ships have been holding exercises, the Pacific Fleet said on Friday.
Maritime patrol Il-38 May planes from the Pacific Fleet have been making routine flights over the sea, but have not flown close to the U.S. vessels, the Fleet's headquarters said.
CNN earlier reported that on Monday and Tuesday, several Russian Il-38 aircraft flew over the USS John C. Stennis aircraft carrier, at an altitude of just 150 meters (492 feet). The news network said that on Tuesday, two Il-38s flew within 600 meters of the USS Blue Ridge.
"The Pacific Fleet pilots have been conducting exercises to ensure the security of Russia's border near the Sea of Japan, where U.S. Navy vessels are located," the spokesman said. "The aircraft have remained at a safe distance from the U.S. vessels, adhering strictly to international laws."
source:
http://en.rian.ru/world/20090320/120668648.html
