THE United States, Japan and Australia have shown a united front on China’s disputed territorial claims in the South China Sea, in a strong show of support for Southeast Asian nations that have territorial disputes with Beijing in the resource-rich area.
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China has repeatedly blamed the United States for stoking tensions in the region through its military patrols, and of taking sides in the dispute, accusations Washington denies.
US, China hold NSA-level talks after SCS verdict: THE US on Monday called for “candour and openness” ahead of NSA-level talks with China here, the first such high-level political dialogue since an global tribunal rejected Beijing’s expansive claims over the strategic South China Sea.
“I would encourage President Duterte to engage in dialogue, in negotiations”, Kerry told reporters in Laos, referring to the tough-talking new Philippines leader.
Kerry is due to fly to Manila for talks with Duterte later Tuesday.
Outsiders can withdraw if turbulence emerges in a region, leaving the regional countries to deal with the aftermath, the Chinese top diplomat Wang warned on Monday. “And we agree with that.no claimant should be acting in a way that is provocative, no claimant should take steps that wind up raising tensions”.
An earlier statement by the 10-member Southeast Asian regional bloc seemed compromised as a result of unyielding objections from China’s close ally, Cambodia.
Speaking to reporters in Vientiane, Philippines Foreign Minister Perfecto Yasay said the dispute was not a fight between China and the U.S. but between China and the Philippines.
Joint communique appears to be a victory for China in joust with United States, reflecting Beijing’s clout in the region A diplomatic skirmish between the U.S. and China at the ASEAN Regional Forum ended with China at an advantage.
Ruling on a case brought by the Philippines, the PCA found “no legal basis” for China’s claim to historical and economic rights over nearly all of the South China Sea.
It works on the basis of consensus diplomacy.
“We remain seriously concerned about recent and ongoing developments and took note of the concerns expressed by some ministers on the land reclamations and escalation of activities in the area, which have eroded trust and confidence, increased tensions and may undermine peace, security and stability in the region”, the ASEAN communique said.
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Aside from the sea feud with China, Duterte planned to discuss other security concerns, including peace talks with communist and Muslim rebels and the battle he has fought against illegal drugs, which has left almost 300 suspected drug dealers and users dead since he was inaugurated on June 30.
