US Sees Russia as Menacing, China as Growing Threat in Pacific – Navy Secretary Timelines: K-RusslandKrieg

Sputnik: US Sees Russia as Menacing, China as Growing Threat in Pacific – Navy Secretary

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) – The United States is considering Russia to be a menacing threat in the Pacific region and China a growing threat, US Navy Secretary Richard Spencer said on Thursday.

“Russia is a menacing threat, China is a pacing threat, and that is what we are focusing,” Spencer said in a discussion at the Center of the Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, DC.

Spencer pointed out that the US Navy is ready to address those threats if it is called upon to act. “We are ready to fight even tonight, if needed,” Spencer said.

In addition, Spencer said the United States will exercise freedom of navigation operations in the Pacific as well as throughout the world.

On Wednesday, the US guided missile destroyer McCampbell entered the Sea of Japan to challenge what the United States has called “Russia’s excessive maritime claims” and uphold the lawful uses of the sea.