The US Congress discussed the East Sea in a hearing 0
Chinese ships heavily guard the Hai Duong 981 oil rig that Beijing deployed illegally in Vietnam’s exclusive economic waters.
The hearing of Mr. Daniel Russell, US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee, took place yesterday in Washington, DC.
The parliamentarians and Mr. Russell all said that China’s unilateral action to cause tension by deploying the Hai Duong-981 oil rig in the East Sea and sending many escort ships has threatened peace and security.
Speaking at the hearing, Mr. Russell affirmed that the current developments in the East Sea are China’s actions to `illegally gain sovereignty and the construction on Gac Ma Island is an action to militarize
According to Mr. Steve Chabol, Chairman of the Asia-Pacific Subcommittee, China’s above-mentioned actions are `one of the challenges to the goals that the US sets in the region` when implementing its economic restructuring strategy.
Congressman Bera also asked Mr. Russell many questions about how the US would react if China caused a similar incident with its two military allies, Japan and the Philippines.
Mr. Russell also affirmed that the best solution for the US, China and China’s neighbors at this time is through diplomatic measures, dialogue in a constructive spirit, and resolving disputes based on the law.
China earlier this month blatantly deployed the Hai Duong-981 deep-water drilling rig on Vietnam’s continental shelf, and dispatched dozens of escort ships and aircraft.
The US government warned about China’s deployment of an oil rig into the East Sea, saying this was an act of `provocation and destabilization of the region`.
