Admiral Robert Willard, Commander of the US Pacific Fleet.

High-ranking American officials have expressed their nation’s ‘growing concern’ over threats to free navigation and economic development in the South China Sea area.

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Arriving in Hanoi to take part in US-Vietnam security talks that begin June 8, Admiral Robert Willard, Commander of the US Pacific Fleet, told reporters that the US opposes any resort to non-peaceful measures or disrespect for international law in the South China Sea – the body of water that Vietnam calls the ‘East Sea.’

Assistant Secretary of Defense Anthony Shapiro, another participant in the bilateral talks, confirmed to Tuoi Tre that the situation in the East Sea would be prominent on the agenda. “We want to hear Vietnam’s assessment. This is a sensitive matter,” he said, adding that American Government concern has been heightened by recent developments. Cooperation on rescue at sea and other humanitarian matters and progress on Agent Orange questions will also be addressed, Shapiro said.

The two officials came to Vietnam from Singapore, where they assisted US Defense Secretary Robert Gates at a multinational security conference. At the Singapore meeting, according to Reuters and AFP, Gates called the South China Sea “a growing concern [to the US]. This sea is not only vital to those directly bordering it, but to all nations with economic and security interests in Asia.”

In a pointed reference to Chinese threats against oil firms considering cooperation with Vietnam, Gates said “we object to any effort to intimidate US corporations or those of any nation engaged in legitimate economic activity.”

Echoing Gates, Admiral Willard emphasized that freedom of navigation in the East Sea continues to be a vital American interest. US trade with countries in the East Sea region has reached $1.3 trillion a year.

The USA does not support any country in the East Sea conflict, Willard added. “What’s essential is that differences be resolved multilaterally.” He said that the ASEAN Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) offers an appropriate framework.

He added that the US military forces will continue to operate in the region in cooperation with regional countries, including Vietnam.

Before talking with reporters, Admiral Willard called on Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Khac Nghien, Chief of Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army, on June 6, and talked with Nghien’s deputy, Lieutenant General Tran Quang Khue, on regional issues and experiences in search and rescue operations and further exchanges of military staff at all levels.

In other military news, the Somme, the command vessel of the Indian Ocean Maritime Division of the French Navy, with Vice Admiral Bruno Nielly aboard, began a friendly visit to Da Nang City.

Until June 10, the French naval officers will visit leaders of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army, the municipal People’s Committee, the High Commander of Military Zone 5 and other agencies.

Phuong Loan