( BGF) – As Reuters reported, U.S. official commented that China’s “provocative” activities in maritime disputes with its neighbors are “straining the U.S. – China relationship” as it only encourages the Asian countries to seek greater U.S. involvement in regional diplomatic, economic and military affairs.
The U.S. Vice President Joe Biden and other top U.S. officials also told visiting General Fang Fenghui, chief of general staff in China’s army, that Beijing’s behavior in the maritime disputes was “dangerous and provocative” and must stop.
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U.S. warns China its actions in sea disputes are straining relations
Chief of the general staff of China’s People’s Liberation Army Fang Fenghui speaks during a press briefing with U.S. Joint Chiefs Chairman General Martin Dempsey (not pictured) at the Bayi Building in Beijing April 22, 2013. (Photo Credit: Reuters).
(Reuters) – China’s “provocative” actions in maritime disputes with its neighbors are straining ties with the United States, raising questions over how the world’s two biggest economies can work together, a senior U.S. official said.
The strong comments from Washington on Thursday come after deadly anti-China riots broke out in Vietnam in response to China towing an oil rig into a part of the South China Sea claimed by both Hanoi and Beijing.
“This is raising some fundamental questions for us about China’s long-term strategic intentions,” the U.S. official told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity. He said Beijing’s move appeared to fit a “pattern” of advancing territorial claims through coercion and intimidation.
“China’s activities are straining the U.S.-China relationship because it raises questions about our ability to partner together in Asia or even bilaterally.”
The Vietnamese government says one person was killed in the anti-China violence on Tuesday and Wednesday, but a doctor at a hospital near one area of rioting said he had seen 21 dead bodies and that at least 100 people were wounded.
An eyewitness to fighting between Chinese and Vietnamese workers in an industrial zone in the same area said she had seen at least 13 bodies.
There were no immediate reports on Friday of further violence.
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