Switzerland boosts its exports of military equipment by 36 percent last year; US top commander claims China more restrained after Clinton’s strong statements
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  • According to reports, Switzerland boosted its exports of military equipment, mainly training aircraft and air-defense systems, by 36 percent last year from the 2010 level, official data showed on February 28. The value of the exports totaled 872.7 million Swiss francs ($973 million). A big factor behind the increase was the export of unarmed military training aircraft to the United Arab Emirates amounting to 258.1 million Swiss francs ($287.6 million), the Swiss Department of Economic Affairs said in a statement released. Switzerland also delivered wheeled armored vehicles to Germany and Belgium as well as air-defense systems to Germany. 1

    In another development, a top U.S. commander, Adm. Robert Willard, the head of the U.S. Pacific Command which covers Asia, said China was still actively staking claims in the South China Sea and challenging vessels that conduct operations in the hotly disputed waters. But in an appearance before Congress, Willard said, “We’ve seen fewer confrontations in 2012 than we did in previous years. 2010 was quite landmark in terms of the confrontations.” Willard further noted that “very strong statements” by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former defense secretary Robert Gates and members of the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations likely affected China’s thinking. The public comments “I think took China aback and has caused them to reconsider that particular approach to their South China Sea claims,” he said. “They are endeavoring to continue to pursue it, but in a more thoughtful manner,” he added in response to a question from the Senate Armed Services Committee. 2

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