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    The secretary-general of the United Nations has also pledged the support of the world organization in ousting Chinese presence from the disputed islands. She stated that the Chinese have clearly violated the Manila Declaration of 1992, a treaty signed by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, of which China is a member, that resolved to settle the Spratly Islands dispute in a diplomatic manner. In response to this violation of international law, the U.S. Navy will begin mobilization immediately, with the aircraft carriers Nimitz and Independence entering the area within the week.

    Chinese reaction to today's announcement was one of diplomatic indignation. "We have every right to the Nan-Sha Islands," said the Chinese ambassador, referring to the Spratlys by their Chinese name, "and we will defend them as we would any other part of our homeland."

    Russia selling arms to China, U.S. Navy concerned

    July 30, 1997

    Web posted at: 12:00 P.M. EST (1700 GMT)

    From Washington chief correspondent Michael Flasetti

    WASHINGTON (TCN)-As tensions mount in the South China Sea, a confrontation between the Chinese and UN military, led by the U.S. Navy, seems inevitable. Adding to the danger of the situation is the news, reportedly obtained by the CIA, that Russia has been arming China with advanced weapons, among them nuclear attack submarines that may be deployed into the waters surrounding the Spratly Islands.

    The news that Russia has been selling arms to the Chinese is not new. Over the past two years, China has taken delivery of" four Russian Kilo-class diesel submarines, which are considerably less advanced than Russia's nuclear submarines. However, the possibility that Russia has sold more advanced submarines to the Chinese is of great concern to White House military advisers.

    A source close to the Joint Chiefs of Staff has disclosed that the Russians have even collaborated with the Chinese on a prototype nuclear attack submarine, and that the submarine may see action in the Spratly conflict. If true, this presents a possible shift in the balance of naval power in the region, and a great concern to the recently downsized U.S. Navy.