US admiral cites 4 reasons for Asia-Pacific sea pivot

MANILA, Philippines — The top American naval official on Wednesday reaffirmed the United States' commitment to a maritime strategy shift to the Asia-Pacific region.

Adm. Jonathan Greenert, Chief of Naval Operations, said that the US' strategy to position the Navy and the Marine Corps in the region where the Philippines belongs, speaks of the military's principle of presence—to be "where it matters, when it matters."

He explained that the move seeks to address power projection, sea control, maritime security and matters of access.

"Despite current events, the long-range interests of [the United States] are in the Asia-Pacific," Greenert said in a presentation to Washington-based think tank Brookings Institution.

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The US maritime rebalance comes as the Philippines, Japan and Vietnam stand opposite to China's belligerent claims over much of the South and East China Seas.

Greenert, however, noted that the reasons for rebalance run counter to criticisms that the US is attempting to contain China and should be giving more attention to the Middle East conflict.

"With this rising navy in China, we have … opportunity," he said. "The challenge is to get rid of unneeded, unfounded and unprofessional cases in the interactions we are inevitably going to have at sea."

He also cited statistics to support the ongoing maritime pivot:

• Fifty percent of the world’s shipping tonnage passes through the straits of Southeast Asia;
• One-third of global oil and half the world’s natural gas traffic move through the South China Sea;
• Five of America’s top-15 trading partners are located in the Asia-Pacific region; and
• Five US treaty allies—Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Australia and Thailand—are located in the region.

"The alliances are strong and we will honor our treaties," he said. "The engagement is increasing bilaterally and multilaterally and it's really part of the rebalance."

The admiral also echoed the Pentagon's earlier statements that despite the fiscal and security challenges to the rebalance, it continues apace.