US Forces Ready With a ‘Range of Options’ to Deal With South China Sea Aggression, US Admiral Says

U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Commander Admiral Samuel Paparo (L), and Philippines military chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr.,answer questions during a press conference on the Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board held at the Philippine Military Academy in Baguio, northern Philippines, on Aug. 29, 2024. Aaron Favila/AP Photo

BAGUIO, Philippines—American forces are ready with a “range of options” to deal with increasing acts of aggression in the disputed South China Sea if ordered to carry them out jointly and after consultations with treaty ally the Philippines, a U.S. admiral said Thursday.

U.S. Indo-Pacific Command chief Adm. Samuel Paparo, who heads the biggest number of combat forces outside the U.S. mainland, refused to provide details of the contingency options.