US Pacific Command Admiral Harry Harris says US fought its first war over freedom of navigation

US admiral Harry Harris has told Australia he is determined to enforce freedom of navigation in the South China Sea against an ‘aggressive’ Beijing.

Admiral Harry Harris at an earlier meeting with Foreign Minister Bronwyn Bishop. Picture: US Consulate

THE US admiral in command of the Pacific has told Australia he is determined to enforce freedom of navigation in the South China Sea against an ‘aggressive’ Beijing.

In a strong signal of his determination to continue sending warships and military aircraft through the contested international waterways without seeking prior permission from Beijing, the US Pacific Command’s Admiral Harry Harris pointed to precedent:

“The US fought our first war after our independence to defend freedom of navigation. And we did that when we were weak and small,” he told the Lowy Institute this afternoon.

He told the gathering of defence officials and analysts that China has been acting in an assertive and aggressive manner in the South China Sea.

Adm Harris on #SouthChinaSea: Up to each country whether to do FONOPs, but at end of the day choice is about furthering rules based order pic.twitter.com/iFuARnHuI4

— Ashley Townshend (@ashleytownshend) December 14, 2016

It was only through maintaining military capability in the region and overt displays of resolve that China could be deterred from forcefully taking control of the shipping routes, fisheries and natural resources there, he said.

Commenting on Australia’s contribution to future Freedom of Navigation exercises, Admiral Harris stated such manoeuvres were up to individual nations, but added other diplomatic options ‘are open’.

Admiral Harris also announced that advanced US 5th generation fighter jets, the F-22 Raptor, will be gathering in Australia next year for integration exercises with the Royal Australian Air Force.

.@PacificCommand's Admiral Harris: I am not asking Australia to choose between the US and China https://t.co/QIRkngJ8Ne

— Sky News Australia (@SkyNewsAust) December 14, 2016