Washington said it is taking additional actions to defend sovereignty rights and interests of ASEAN member countries who are claimants in the South China Sea (called East Sea by Vietnam) dispute.
Vietnam believes that diplomacy will significantly contribute to the sovereignty protection.
Washington said the US challenges excessive maritime claims around the world regardless of the identity of the claimant.
The third-largest Chinese state oil firm is said on the forefront of China’s sovereignty combat against the other countries.
ASEAN is urged to keep its position to maintain balance and regard UNCLOS 1982 as the legal basis of all activities at sea.
A famous expert said that working groups need to be set up to operationalize relevant international conventions.
The US government is making its position on the South China Sea more strongly explicit.
The two countries have made great strides in building a forward-looking and mutually beneficial partnership.