Air Force to keep flying over South China Sea: US general
US commander also urged other nations to exercise their freedom to fly and sail in international airspace and waters claimed by China.
Canberra: A U.S. general says the Air Force will continue to fly daily missions over the South China Sea despite a buildup of Chinese surface-to-air missiles and fighter jets in the contested region, with both nations' militaries in discussions to avoid any "miscalculation."
Hawaii-based Pacific Air Forces Commander Gen. Lori Robinson also urged other nations Tuesday to exercise their freedom to fly and sail in international airspace and waters claimed by China in the South China Sea "or risk losing it throughout the region."
Robinson declined to tell reporters in the Australian capital of Canberra how the United States would retaliate if a U.S. plane was shot down by the Chinese. Robinson will address the Royal Australian Air Force's biennial Air Power Conference in Canberra next week.