MANILA, Philippines — Having reached nearly 140,000 signatures, a
petition seeking sanctions against China over the maritime dispute earned the
attention of the White House.
In an undated statement published Friday, the White House
responded to the petition related to the South China Sea dispute filed through
its online We the People platform.
"The United States has long called for China and all
claimants to pursue their territorial claims and accompanying rights to
maritime space peacefully, without resorting to coercion, and in accordance
with international law," it said.
The petition asked the United States government to take measures
against China for "invading" Vietnam in the deployment of an oil rig,
which Beijing ordered removed in July this year.
The White House noted the Obama administration's stance against
activities to pursue territorial and maritime claims over the South China Sea.
"We have expressed our concerns over China's actions,
including its deployment of the HD-981 drilling operation, to Chinese leaders
at the highest levels," i said.
Vietnam, China and the Philippines are among the rival claimants
on certain areas in the key waterway.
"We support efforts that lower tensions and expand space for
peaceful and diploatic resolution of disputes," the White House added.
China had begun reclamation activities in waters claimed by the
Philippines—a move which prompted Washington and other members of the
international community to condemn Beijing's show of force at sea.
By: Camille Diola
http://www.philstar.com/
1 comments:
We pray this will be resolved peacefully within in our lifetime.. for the good of all the countries involved, for our children and the future generation! God bless...
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