south china sea incident could damage the peace

dewaberita - Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United States Hillary Clinton said Thursday that the U.S. is worried that the incident in the South China Sea could undermine peace and stability, and urged all sides to show restraint.
"We urge all parties to try to restrain ourselves, and we will continue to consult closely with all the countries involved, including our treaty ally, the Philippines," said Ny.Clinton at a press conference with Philippine Foreign Minister in Washington Albert del Rosario.
"We are concerned that the recent incidents in the South China Sea could undermine peace and stability in the region," he added.
Tensions in the South China strategic and resource-rich sea, known by the Manila West Philippine Sea has increased in recent weeks, with the Philippines and Vietnam worried about what they say is Beijing's increasingly aggressive actions in the disputed waters.
The U.S. diplomat repeated the U.S. stance that it has a "national interest in freedom of navigation, respect for international law and trade without barriers in the South China Sea."
He said the United States does not take sides in a territorial dispute in the South China Sea.
"But we oppose the use of violence or threats of violence to advance the claims of any party," he added.
Clinton also called for collaboration and the diplomatic process to resolve the dispute.
"We believe that the governments concerned must pursue their territorial claims, and accompanying them to the right of maritime space in accordance with customary international law," he said.
Part of the waters also claimed by Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam, AFP reported. 

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