US, China square off over South China Sea

[Apóllōn]

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — The Obama administration pressed Beijing on Thursday to accept a code of conduct for resolving territorial disputes in the resource-rich South China Sea, a difficult U.S. mediation effort that has faced resistance from the communist government. It has endeared the U.S., however, to once-hostile countries in Southeast Asia.

But countless meetings between American and Chinese officials have not led to progress on a lasting solution. Various longstanding disputes among China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei involve the area's busy sea lanes, and many observers fear the complicated web of disputes could spark a violent conflict.

ASEAN's 10 members announced earlier this week that they have drafted a set of rules governing maritime rights and navigation, and procedures for when governments disagree. But China is not a member of the group and hasn't agreed to anything.

US, China square off over South China Sea - World news

 

[Battle of Bach Dang River]

China often showed their lack of responsibility. Their claims "nine-dotted line" baseless and illegal spanning entire South China Sea is the cause of all disputes, but they are always trying against all diplomatic efforts. Maybe they're buying more times waiting for the opportunity to use force invading the entire SCS...