The Trump administration’s escalating pressure campaign against China calls for a beefed up military presence to challenge Beijing’s claims in Asia, signaling a widening role for the U.S. Navy. The administration already has stepped up “freedom of navigation” exercises in the region, sending more U.S. warships through contested areas. Both Defense Secretary Mark Esper and White House national-security adviser Robert O’Brien have outlined plans for an enhanced U.S. military presence there. But the growing demands come as the Navy faces issues that could affect its ability to deliver. It is addressing shortcomings in training, workloads, navigational skills and ship maintenance, identified by internal investigations of problems, including two fatal ship collisions, over the past three years.

Source: Wall Street Journal August 15, 2020 09:22 UTC