US concern over South China Sea 'dangerous conduct'

 

The US has spoken out over "dangerous conduct and intimidation" in the South China Sea, after ships from Vietnam and China collided in disputed waters.

The collisions came as the Vietnamese ships tried to prevent China setting up an oil rig near the Paracel islands.


The incident is the most serious between the countries at sea in years, with dozens of boats now in the area.

The US state department called Beijing's move to introduce an oil rig in the area "provocative".
"This unilateral action appears to be part of a broader pattern of Chinese behaviour to advance its claims over disputed territory in a manner that undermines peace and stability in the region," spokeswoman Jen Psaki said in a statement.

 We are also very concerned about dangerous conduct and intimidation by vessels operating in this area," she said, calling on all parties to operate in a "safe and professional manner".

The events, she added, highlighted the need for claimants to disputed areas to clarify their claims in accordance with international law. 

The incidents - of which there are reported to have been at least three - took place close to the Paracel islands, which are controlled by China but also claimed by Vietnam.

 China claims a U-shaped swathe in the South China Sea that overlaps areas claimed by several of its neighbours.

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