Clinton says US opposes threats in S.China Sea

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on Thursday the United States was concerned that recent events in the South China Sea could undermine stability and opposed any threat of force to advance territorial claims.

Clinton, appearing with the visiting Philippine foreign minister, repeated that the United States had interests in the South China Sea, where China and its neighbors have seen tensions flare over competing maritime sovereignty claims. "We are concerned that recent incidents in the South China Sea could undermine peace and stability in the region," Clinton said. "We oppose the use of force or the threat of force to advance the claims of any party." (Reuters)