TOKYO — Pacific Fleet commander Adm. Scott Swift stressed cooperation with China on Tuesday, despite concerns over its military’s transparency and tensions over navigation and territory in the South China Sea.

Swift, who boarded what he described as a routine seven-hour flight in a P-8 surveillance aircraft over the South China Sea on Sunday, added that most interaction and dialogue with the Chinese military has been cordial and positive.

However, Swift noted concern among officials he’s spoken with throughout the region about China’s assertive claims to territory in the South China Sea. China continues to turn rocks and reefs claimed by multiple nations into artificial islands with defensive fortifications, Swift said while speaking with reporters in Tokyo.

“Despite what we can observe directly, we can’t predict what intent is,” Swift said. “That’s why it’s so important to deepen our relationship.”

Swift also struck a cautious tone in regard to the Japanese government’s push to broaden the abilities of the Japan Self-Defense Forces to fight overseas and defend close allies in combat.

Last week, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe pushed 11 security bills through the lower house of the Diet, Japan’s parliament, as opposition lawmakers walked out and protesters shouted anti-government slogans outside the building. Polls indicate a majority of Japanese oppose the changes and do not trust the government to keep any potential military operations limited.

The bill, which must now be voted on by the Diet’s upper house, has passed despite a constitutional clause that renounces Japan’s right to declare war.

However, the U.S. government generally supports the security bill changes. Supporters say the legislation would allow Japan and the U.S. to better defend against ballistic missile threats from North Korea and collaborate on security stability in the region’s waters and skies.

“I think that the effect, if it were to pass into law, the effect on Pacific Fleet’s relationship with the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force will be evolutionary, not revolutionary as a result,” Swift said. “We already have a very deep relationship.

“I’m excited about the opportunities that such passage would present, but I again defer to the Japanese people and the Japanese government as to what it would mean in execution.”

Swift also deferred on any decision about further utilizing Subic Bay, where the Navy maintained a U.S. base until the Philippines closed it in the early 1990s. Last week, national news outlets reported that the Philippines would be stationing military ships and aircraft on the former base.

The Philippines has had repeated maritime showdowns over territory within its exclusive economic zone, which is claimed by China. The Philippines is now pressing its case against China in international court, despite China’s non-participation.

The U.S. would likely rotate ships and troops into commonly used Philippine bases if an expanded defense agreement, negotiated between Washington and Manila last year, receives final approval, Swift said. However, it’s up to the Philippines to determine whether Subic Bay is among them.

Swift did reiterate that any foreseeable military agreements in the region would be rotational.

“It makes no sense to me as the Pacific Fleet commander to seek additional bases in the region,” Swift said. “It‘s not necessary, it doesn’t provide any advantage or efficiencies, or effectiveness in the Pacific Fleet’s operations.”

slavin.erik@stripes.com

Twitter: @eslavin_stripes

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