WASHINGTON (AP) – Members of Congress urged the Obama administration on Wednesday to order more naval operations close to disputed islands in the South China Sea.
Advertisement
In Beijing, Chinese defense ministry spokesman Col. Wu Qian said China would send missile destroyer Lanzhou, staff officers and a dozen special forces troops to a multi-national maritime security and counterterrorism exercise in Singapore and Brunei and in nearby waters of the South China Sea from May 2 to 12.
The South China Sea has become a source of tension between China, the USA, and some regional countries who are seeking control of trade routes and mineral deposits there.
China practices and firmly supports this approach and despite border disputes with two of its neighbors has entered into a series of contacts beneficial for the people in general, she told journalists from Pakistan Afghanistan Bangladesh India and Nepal presently attending a program organized by the China Public Diplomacy Association.
China’s decision to neither accept nor participate in the arbitration upholds the seriousness of the convention and other worldwide laws and its opposition of any misuse of them, said the spokesperson.
“China’s provocative actions in the South China Sea, including its aggressive island-building campaign, threaten not just regional stability but long-standing United States interests in the free-flow of commerce, freedom of navigation, and the peaceful resolution of disputes consistent with worldwide law”, Mr Cardin said.
“China has a decision to make”.
He referred to a February summit at which U.S. President Barack Obama and ASEAN leaders – four of whose countries have rival claims in the South China Sea – agreed that territorial disputes should be resolved peacefully and via legal means.
He revealed that China has come up with a proposal that foreign ministers of China and ASEAN nations issue a joint statement on full and effective implementation of the DOC in July.
Later this month, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Netherlands is expected to rule on a case the Philippines brought against China over claims to the Spratly Islands.
“Look at what China is doing in the South China Sea”.
Mr Liu said China does not recognise the tribunal and will not accept its ruling, adding that the DOC continues to be the “common basis” to address territorial issues.
This year the Southeast Asian bloc marks its 25th year of diplomatic relations with China.
Advertisement
Liu and senior diplomats from ASEAN countries exchanged in-depth views on implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of the Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), promote cooperation and enhance consultations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) under the framework of the DOC.
