US officials apply pressure on Beijing over South China Sea disputes

A top US diplomat has called on China to clarify or adjust its territorial claims in the South China Sea in accordance with international law. Daniel Russel, assistant secretary of state for East Asia, criticized Beijing's so-called "nine-dash line" that outlines its claims. He said there were "growing concerns" over China's "pattern of behavior."

Tensions are already high over China's imposition of an air defense zone above disputed islands in the East China Sea. Correspondents say there are fears of a fresh showdown in the South China Sea. Several countries claim competing sovereignty over islands, reefs and shoals.

China, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and Taiwan all have claims in the region.

The US says it does not take stances on territorial disputes in Asia. However, Russel said he supported the Philippines' right to take its case to a UN tribunal as part of efforts to find a "peaceful, non-coercive" solution. China denounced the move last year.

China's "nine-dash line" stretches hundreds of miles south and east from its most southerly province of Hainan. In January, Hainan province enacted new regulations requiring foreign fishing vessels to ask for permission to enter its waters, including the disputed areas claimed by China.

The Philippines said it was "gravely concerned" by the new rules, while Taiwan and Vietnam also said they did not recognize the rules. Beijing says its rights come from 2,000 years of history where the Paracel and Spratly island chains were regarded as part of the Chinese nation.

Relations between China and Japan are currently under strain over a separate territorial row involving islands in the East China Sea known as the Senkaku islands in Japan and the Diaoyu islands in China.

Park Sae-jin swatchsjp@ajunews.com