Expressing concern about China's activities in the South China Sea, US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said it's American military power that keeps the peace in the region and the United States intends to continue playing that role into the future. Carter told sailors aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt as it patrolled the South China Sea that the carrier's presence is "a symbol and a sign of the critical role the United States' military power plays in what is a very consequential region for the American future." A transcript of his comments aboard the carrier on Thursday was released by the Pentagon.

Katigbak, J. (2015, November 7). US vows to keep peace amid South China Sea row. The Philippine Star, p. 9.