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Esper:China Intimidating Asian Nations 11/20 06:26
HANOI, Vietnam (AP) -- U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper on Wednesday
accused China of using coercion and intimidation against smaller Asian nations
to impose its will in the South China Sea. He urged Vietnam and others in the
region to push back.
"We will not accept attempts to assert unlawful maritime claims at the
expense of law-abiding nations," Esper said in a speech to the Diplomatic
Academy of Vietnam, a government university.
Vietnam is one of the region's most vocal critics of China's sweeping
territorial claims in the South China Sea and has accused Beijing of
encroaching into its waters.
"The United States firmly opposes intimidation by any claimant to assert its
territorial or maritime claims, and we call for an end to the bullying and
unlawful activities," Esper said.
Later, in remarks at Vietnam's Communist Party headquarters, Esper said, "We
strongly oppose violations of international law by China and excessive claims
in the South China Sea."
As part of a long-term effort to forge closer relations with Vietnam, Esper
announced that the U.S. will provide Vietnam's coast guard with a surplus
American ship. He said it would be provided next year, but he gave no details
on payment or exact timing.
Esper met with several top government officials and paid a visit to the
city's Hoa Lo prison, dubbed the "Hanoi Hilton" by American servicemen held
there during the Vietnam War. The late Sen. John McCain was held there after he
was shot down in his Navy jet over Hanoi in 1967.
(KR)
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