Clinton warns against coercion in S.China Sea dispute

Source: Reuters

Clinton warns against coercion in S.China Sea dispute
Mon Sep 3, 2012 9:25pm IST

* Ahead of China trip, Clinton says "threats" create more risk

* Rising tensions raise spectre of military conflict

* Clinton hopes for progress by November East Asia Summit

By Andrew Quinn

JAKARTA, Sept 3 (Reuters) - China and its neighbours in Southeast Asia must move to draw up a code of conduct in coming months to help resolve disputes in the South China Sea, and should refrain from threats and coercion that have sent tension skyrocketing, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on Monday.

Clinton, visiting Indonesia ahead of a trip to China this week, said she would tell Beijing and other claimants that it was essential to get faltering diplomacy back on track and move toward a deal.

"The United States does not take a position on competing territorial claims over land features, but we believe the nations of the region should work collaboratively together to resolve disputes without coercion, without intimidation, without threats and certainly without the use of force," she said.

The South China Sea is one of a number of potential flashpoints that have emerged since the Obama administration announced it was "pivoting" U.S. attention to the Asia-Pacific following years of military engagement in wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.


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