US opposes unilateral and provocative actions in the East Sea

Vietnam's exclusive economic zone in the East Sea is established in accordance with international law..

The US State Department made the above statement on May 7 and expressed deep concern about China's unilateral, dangerous and provocative actions in the East Sea.

Speaking to reporters in Washington, US State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki once again affirmed that China's unilateral deployment of an oil rig into disputed areas in the East Sea is a provocative act and does not help maintain peace and stability in the region.

US State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki (Photo AFP)

Responding to a question about the US's reaction to the Chinese ship deliberately ramming a Vietnamese ship in the East Sea, Ms. Psaki said: "We are deeply concerned about dangerous actions and intimidation by vessels in disputed areas. We call on all parties to exercise restraint, conduct themselves in a safe and appropriate manner, and resolve competing claims peacefully, diplomatically, and in accordance with international law.... The US opposes provocative and unilateral actions that endanger peace and security in the East Sea."

Regarding the US's stance on the nine-dash line unilaterally declared by China in the East Sea, the US State Department spokesperson stated: "Vietnam has declared a 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone based on Vietnam's coastline and in accordance with the Law of the Sea. However, China has the opposite view. That is why we call on all parties to refrain from taking provocative and unilateral actions in disputed areas near islands in the East Sea."

Ms. Jen Psaki also called on relevant parties to clarify their sovereignty claims in the East Sea based on international law and reach an agreement on permitted activities in disputed areas. According to Ms. Jen Psaki, the US does not take sides on the issue of sovereignty over islands in the East Sea but acknowledges that there are disputes here.

On the same day, US Senator John McCain issued a statement stating that China's decision to drill for oil off the coast of Vietnam and deploy dozens of naval vessels to support this provocative action is extremely worrying and will only increase tensions in the East Sea.

According to Mr. McCain, the gathering of Chinese ships and ramming of Vietnamese coast guard ships is an act of aggression at sea. China must take full responsibility for its unilateral actions to change the status quo in the East Sea, and at the same time affirm that China's actions are based on territorial claims that have no basis in international law.

US Senator McCain stated that China's oil drilling activities take place entirely within Vietnam's exclusive economic zone, an area clearly defined under international law./.

According to VOV