10/01/2018
US State Department adviser says China is pushing around smaller states with rival claims and limiting navigation in international waters
The United States has accused China of “provocative militarisation” of disputed areas in the South China Sea and will continue sending vessels to the region to carry out freedom-of-navigation patrols, according to a top US adviser on Asia policy.
Brian Hook, a senior adviser to US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, said on Tuesday that the issue of the South China Sea was raised at all diplomatic and security dialogues between China and the US.
“China’s provocative militarisation of the South China Sea is one area where China is contesting international law. They are pushing around smaller states in ways that put a strain on the global system,” Hook said during a media telephone conference.
“We are going to back up freedom-of-navigation operations and let them know we will fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows.”
Read more at South China Morning Post
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