Obama Calls For Peaceful Settlement Of South China Sea Disputes
Tuesday, May 31st, 2016 5:50:39 by modousarr
The US president Barack Obama on Tuesday called for territorial disagreements in the South China Sea to be “resolved peacefully” as Vietnam baulks at Chinese actions in the bitterly contested waters.
He told an audience in Hanoi, referring to the disputed maritime region that”Big nations should not bully smaller ones, disputes should be resolved peacefully.”
The president’s remarks won loud applause from over 2,000 delegates including top Vietnamese leaders.
Hanoi and Washington have been drawn through their common concern at Beijing’s increasing assertiveness in the sea.
The South China Sea is almost claimed by China and has rattled neighbors with a number of reclamation and construction projects- including airships on reefs and islands.
Parts of the sea have been claimed by Vietnam and four other countries.
However, the US takes no sides on the competing territorial claims but ensures freedom of navigation and flights in the sea and has sent warships near Chinese-held islands.
US forces will continue to go after threats on Pakistan soil: Obama in a statement said,” As we go forward the United States will continue to fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows and we will support the right of all countries to do the same.”
Obama on Monday announced he was removing a Cold-War era ban on weapons sales to Vietnam, viewed as a major boost for Hanoi as it tries to gear its defenses against its giant northern neighbor.
The US president told delegates “Vietnam will have greater access to military equipment you need to ensure your security”, adding the US would continue to train Vietnam‘s coastguards to ”enhance maritime capabilities.”
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