China's territorial claims illegal, deceptive: U.S. Indo-Pacific chief

Adm. Samuel Paparo says Beijing's actions go further than 'gray zone'

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Adm. Samuel Paparo, the new commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, vowed to preserve the free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy)

KEN MORIYASU, Nikkei Asia diplomatic correspondent

WASHINGTON -- China's intrusive and expansionist claims in the Indo-Pacific are "illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive," the new commander of the Indo-Pacific Command said Friday at a change of command ceremony in Hawaii.

U.S. Navy Adm. Samuel Paparo, who relieved Adm. John Aquilino at the ceremony, said China's actions go beyond the standard phrase of "gray zone."

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