US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned of China’s “increasingly dangerous” and “unlawful actions” in the South and East China Seas, stating these actions threaten regional peace and stability.
Speaking at the ASEAN-US Summit, he expressed concern over incidents that have harmed vessels from ASEAN nations and contradicted commitments to peaceful dispute resolution.
Blinken affirmed the US commitment to freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific and the importance of maintaining stability across the Taiwan Strait.
Following his address, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos highlighted recent aggressive actions by China against Filipino vessels in the West Philippine Sea and called for greater maritime awareness and rules of engagement.
He criticized the slow progress of negotiations for an ASEAN-China Code of Conduct, emphasizing the need for urgent action to manage disputes and prevent escalation of tensions in the region.
Source: PhilNews24 | October 12, 2024
