Hanoi (VNA) – Leaders of the UnitedStates Senate Committee on Foreign Relations have issued statements regardingChina’s recent unlawful activities in the South China Sea, known as the EastSea in Vietnam.

Republican Senator Jim Risch, Chairman of thecommittee, said: “Surveying operations by a state-owned Chinese vessel insideVietnam’s exclusive economic zone – and the deployment of China’s Coast Guardships – are only the latest evidence of China’s willingness to use coercion toassert unlawful claims in the South China Sea.”

“Identifying concrete ways to push back onChina’s aggressive activities in the South China Sea should be at the top ofthe US’ agenda during ASEAN meetings in Bangkok this week.”

It is crucial that the US’ partners in theregion, particularly ASEAN countries, stand together and stand firm againstChina’s coercion, he said, adding that: “Without a stronger rebuke of itsbehaviour, China will continue to act with impunity in the South China Sea, tothe detriment of our shared interests in advancing a truly free and openIndo-Pacific and upholding the rule of law.”

According to Democratic Senator Bob Menendez,Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, it is critical thatChina be held to account for its behaviour in the South China Sea.

Meanwhile, Republican Senator Cory Gardner,Chairman of the subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific, noted: “China’smilitarisation of the South China Sea and hostile actions toward other claimantstates are illegal, destabilising, and contrary to international law.”

He said he expects that State Secretary MikePompeo will use this opportunity to emphasise that the US will always stand byits ASEAN partners, and also call for a coordinated policy response toBeijing’s belligerence with the US’ allies in the region, as required by theGardner-Markey Asia Reassurance Initiative Act.

For his part, Democratic Senator Edward Markey,Ranking Member of the subcommittee, stated: “China’s actions in the South ChinaSea – one of the most important bodies of water on the planet – are deeplytroubling.”

Markey voiced his support for diplomatic effortsto maintain peace in the South China Sea, and for the US’ Southeast Asianallies and partners in their efforts, including at this week’s ASEAN RegionalForum in Bangkok, Thailand.

The Hague’s Permanent Court of Arbitration madeit clear years ago that China’s artificial island building violated internationallaw, and all must respect freedom of navigation, he noted, adding that: “The USshould ratify the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, but until wedo, we will act in accordance with it, and expect all other countries to do soas well.”-VNA