Vice President Joe Biden expressed the US’s serious concern about China’s behaviour
The US has continued to oppose China’s recent actions in the East Sea, after it illegally positioned drilling rig Haiyang Shiyou-981 in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.
Vice President Joe Biden expressed the US’s serious concern about China’s behaviour during his meeting with Chinese People’s Liberation Army Chief of General Staff Fang Fenghui at the White House on May 15.
According to the Vice President, peace and stability in the region have been undermined.
During the meeting with their Chinese guest, Vice President Joe Biden and other top US officials expressed their view that Beijing's behavior is "dangerous and provocative" and must stop.
According to the official, China's actions in maritime disputes with its neighbours in the East Sea are straining US-China relations and raise questions on whether Washington can work together with Beijing in Asia and on bilateral issues.
The same day, the US State Department issued another statement criticising China’s “provocative” decision to place the rig.
"We are very concerned about dangerous conduct and intimidation of this kind," deputy spokeswoman Marie Harf told reporters.
Earlier, the department warned China against its placement of the rig in the East Sea, describing it was a provocative act and caused instability in the region.
The US and many other countries around the world shared the view, according to the department.
Meanwhile, Russia wanted China and Vietnam to seek solutions through negotiations, calling on all parties to show restraint, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Alexander Lukashevich told reporters on May 15.-VNA
