HONG KONG - The US navy will continue to upgrade its military capabilities in the Pacific given its steadfast commitment to the region, US Vice-admiral Scott Van Buskirk said on Monday during a visit to Hong Kong.

The vice-admiral who commands the US Navy's 7th Fleet -- the largest forward deployed military force with up to 70 ships and 300 aircraft -- said the United States would upgrade its hardware in the Pacific.

A new Littoral combat ship (LCS) will be deployed to the area soon, carrier fighter squadrons upgraded, attack submarine attack capabilities increased, and surface destroyers rekitted to "boost their ability to detect and kill enemy submarines", Van Buskirk said.

Faster P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft will replace P-3 Orion planes in the next two years.

"We remain committed. We remain engaged," he said.

While US Defence Secretary Gates breakthrough visit to Beijing last month reestablished high-level strategic level ties, Van Buskirk said much more needed to be done at a tactical level to ensure encounters at sea wouldn't escalate or lead to conflict.

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