Statement by the Acting Spokesman U.S. Department of State
May 10, 1995
The United States is concerned that a pattern of unilateral actions and reactions
in the South China Sea has increased tensions in that region. The United States
strongly opposes the use or threat of force to resolve competing claims and
urges all claimants to exercise restraint and to avoid destabilizing actions.
The United States has an abiding interest in the maintenance of peace and stability in the South China Sea. The United States calls upon claimants to intensify diplomatic efforts which address issues related to competing claims, taking into account the interests of all parties, and which contribute to peace and prosperity in the region. The United States is willing to assist in any way that claimants deem helpful. The United States reaffirms its welcome of the 1992 ASEAN Declaration on the South China Sea.
Maintaining freedom of navigation is a fundamental interest of the United States. Unhindered navigation by all ships and aircraft in the South China Sea is essential for the peace and prosperity of the entire Asia-Pacific region, including the United States.
The United States takes no position on the legal merits of the competing claims
to sovereignty over the various islands, reefs, atolls and cays in the South
China Sea. The United States would, however, view with serious concern any maritime
claim, or restriction on maritime activity, in the South China Sea that was
not
consistent with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention
on the Law of the Sea.