Chinese Navy Outnumbers US and Allied Ships in Disputed Waters

Naval vessels deployed by the United States and its Indo-Pacific allies for a joint drill in the disputed South China Sea were outnumbered by Chinese warships last week. The military exercise, officially known as Maritime Cooperative Activity, or MCA, demonstrated a commitment to strengthening cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region, the U.S. Seventh Fleet said in a Friday press release.

In response, the Chinese military said the war game, which involved the Philippines and non-regional countries including the U.S., Australia and New Zealand, "stirred up trouble" and "seriously undermined" peace and stability in the South China Sea.
Why It Matters

China has claimed sovereignty over most of the South China Sea based on "historic rights," overlapping with claims by other countries, particularly the Philippines, a U.S. treaty ally that plays a key role in Washington's strategy to counter China's assertive behaviors. Such disputes have led to standoffs and clashes between rival forces.

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