US Condemns China’s Actions in South China Sea
The United States has criticised China over its growing dispute with the Philippines in the South China Sea.
The US said China’s actions around the disputed Scarborough Shoal could increase tensions and threaten peace in the region.
In a statement on Saturday, the US State Department accused China of trying to stop Filipino fishermen from accessing their traditional fishing waters around Scarborough Shoal, which is located near the Philippine island of Luzon.
Washington also rejected China’s decision to declare the area a “nature reserve”, saying the move could be aimed at strengthening Beijing’s territorial claims.
The US said China was using environmental and legal arguments to support its claims while putting pressure on neighbouring countries.
Washington also reaffirmed its support for the Philippines, saying it would continue to work for a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
Tensions between China and the Philippines have increased in recent weeks. There have been reports of Chinese vessels using water cannons against Filipino boats near Scarborough Shoal.
Both China and the Philippines claim the disputed area, which has been at the centre of a long-running territorial dispute.
The Philippines previously took the dispute to an international tribunal in The Hague. The tribunal largely rejected China’s broad claims over parts of the South China Sea under international maritime law.
China rejected the ruling and did not take part in the arbitration process. Beijing continues to claim large areas of the South China Sea under its controversial “nine-dash line”.
The South China Sea is an important international trade route, with trillions of dollars worth of goods passing through its waters every year.
China has increased its military and maritime presence in the region in recent years, including building artificial islands and expanding facilities.
The United States has continued to support the Philippines and other allies in the region as tensions with China grow.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also criticised China’s actions against Philippine vessels, saying the US would continue to stand by its allies.
