US Senator calls for resistance to China's ambitions in the East Sea

Four senators who head two important committees of the US Senate have just affirmed their support for the Philippines' lawsuit against China, and at the same time called on the US government to support countries in the region in fighting against China's ambition to take over the East Sea.

In a statement released yesterday (July 17, local time), Senators John McCain, Jack Reed, Bob Corker and Ben Cardin expressed support for the Philippines' efforts to peacefully resolve disputes in the East Sea.

Senator John McCain is the chairman and Senator Jack Reed is the ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Senator Bob Corker is the chairman and Senator Ben Cardin is the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

The statement stated that although the US does not take sides in the dispute in the East Sea, it welcomes the commitment of President Benigno Aquino III and the Philippine government to pursue the legal path.

John McCain - one of the most determined US senators in opposing China's expansion in the East Sea. Photo: nypost

While China is building and militarizing land features in the South China Sea and increasing coercive measures to achieve its goals, it is very encouraging that the Philippines continues to maintain its efforts to resolve disputes peacefully, in accordance with international law and through international arbitration mechanisms.

The lawmakers stressed that the United States needs to continue supporting allies and partners who are fighting against China's ambitions by regularly conducting freedom of navigation and overflight operations in the East and South China Seas, supporting the maritime capabilities of Southeast Asian countries, and conducting joint exercises and patrols.

The statement affirmed that the US needs to take necessary steps to maintain the balance of power, thereby ensuring peace and stability in the region.

According to US lawmakers, given the speed and scale of China's military development, Washington needs to continuously ensure the US military presence in the Asia-Pacific region.

Last week, the Philippines’ legal team attended a hearing at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands, to determine the court’s jurisdiction in the case against China. If the court determines it has jurisdiction, it will hear and issue a ruling on China’s claims to sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea in 2016.

According to VOV