KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) – In a direct challenge to China, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry called Thursday for all claimants to disputed territories in the South China to Sea immediately halt provocative activities that have ratcheted up tensions in some of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. He also said the United States would not accept restrictions on navigation or overflights of the disputed territories
In remarks to East Asian officials in Malaysia, Kerry proposed a joint commitment from all involved to halting land reclamation projects and construction which he said would lower tensions and risks for miscalculation. He said the step would also create space to finalize a binding code of conduct. His comments were directed primarily at China, which has been engaged in massive reclamation projects in areas contested by its smaller neighbors. China has rejected outside interference in the disputes.
“With great respect to my friend and colleague (Chinese) Foreign Minister Wang (Yi), the United States and others have expressed concern to China over the pace and scope of its land reclamation efforts,” Kerry said. “And the construction of facilities for military purposes only raises tensions and the destabilizing risk of militarization by other claimant states.”
Kerry complained that China has not lived up to pledges to ease tensions and to not try to exert control over South China Sea navigation or flights.
“Freedom of navigation and overflight are among the essential pillars of international maritime law,” he said. “Despite assurances that these freedoms will be respected, we have seen warnings issued and restrictions attempted in recent months. Let me be clear: The United States will not accept restrictions on freedom of navigation and overflight, or other lawful uses of the sea. These are intrinsic rights that we all share. It doesn’t matter whether a vessel is a large warship or a tiny fishing boat. The principle is clear: The rights of all nations must be respected.”