U.S. Pacific Fleet commander warns against ‘egregious’ restrictions in South China Sea

SYDNEY – Some countries appear to view freedom of the seas as “up for grabs” in the South China Sea, imposing superfluous warnings and restrictions that threaten stability, a U.S. Navy commander said Tuesday in comments apparently aimed at China.

Adm. Scott Swift, commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, said in a strongly worded address in Australia the United States remained “as committed as ever” to protect freedom of navigation through the region.