US Senators rebuke China’s East Sea actions

(VOV) - Six US senators have issued a joint statement criticizing China’s stationing of its oil rig Ocean-981 in the disputed waters and attacks on Vietnamese ships, describing its actions as ‘troubling’ in the region.

Tensions have been growing in the area after China on May 2 deployed its giant oil rig Ocean-981 and escort vessels to the East Sea area that Vietnam claims within its continental shelf and exclusive economic zone.

Vietnam on May 8 accused Chinese vessels, including military ships, of ramming into and using water cannons to fire at Vietnamese ships on duty, injuring six sailors and causing property damage.

A Chinese water cannon was used to fire at a Vietnamese ship alongside collisions 

“These actions threaten the free flow of global commerce in a vital region," said the joint statement signed by Democratic Senators Robert Menendez of New Jersey, Ben Cardin of Maryland and Patrick Leahy of Vermont and Republicans Marco Rubio of Florida, Jim Risch of Idaho and John McCain of Arizona.

The senators said China's movement of the rig and "subsequent aggressive tactics" by its ships are "deeply troubling."

They called on their colleagues to support legislation reaffirming US support for freedom of navigation in the region.

Freedom of navigation, including freedom of operation for the US Navy and other lawful uses of the sea and airspace in East Asia, are important to the prosperity of the United States and to the safety of the entire region, they said. 

"We urge the administration to make clear to China at the highest levels that territorial claims and disputes must be resolved peacefully, diplomatically and consistent with international law. Unilateral attempts to change the status quo or the use of force, coercion and intimidation are unacceptable and will only lead to instability," they wrote. 

In April, the Senators introduced a resolution which reaffirms US support for freedom of navigation and operation in the region and urges all parties involved in territorial claims and disputes to seek peaceful diplomatic resolution of those disputes. 
Mời quý độc giả theo dõi VOV.VN trên