U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed concerns over China’s unlawful activities in the South China Sea, pledging U.S. support for freedom of navigation amid escalating tensions with ASEAN nations.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed concerns over China’s “increasingly dangerous and unlawful” activities in the South China Sea at a summit in Vientiane, Laos. The U.S. aims to uphold freedom of navigation in the critical trade route amidst escalating tensions marked by confrontations between China and ASEAN members like the Philippines and Vietnam.
China’s extensive claims in the area have clashed with those of several ASEAN nations, raising fears of potential conflict. Despite rejecting a 2016 international ruling that invalidated its claims, China continues to assert control, prompting the U.S. to patrol the area to challenge these actions.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emphasized the ongoing harassment from China, while other ASEAN leaders echoed the need for urgent negotiations on a code of conduct. Amid these discussions, Blinken and other leaders addressed broader regional issues, reinforcing alliances and expressing commitment to stability in the Taiwan Strait.
Source : Blinken tells ASEAN the US is worried about China’s actions in South China Sea
