US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell engaged China’s Executive Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu in a phone call on Thursday, June 27, to discuss key issues, including areas of cooperation and of difference, Washington announced on Friday.
Maintaining the United States’ support on the freedom of navigation and peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law, Campbell raised to the People’s Republic of China (PRC) its “destabilizing” actions in the West Philippine Sea (or South China Sea).
This includes the recent incident in Ayungin Shoal, where members of the Chinese Coast Guard wielded deadly weapons and destroyed navigational equipment of Philippine Navy servicemen, one of whom even lost a thumb during the violent encounter.
In the readout attributable to State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller, Campbell also “reiterated concern over the PRC’s support for the Russian defense industrial base and discussed challenges on the Korean Peninsula.”
Campbell reiterated that the “U.S. commitments to the Philippines under the Mutual Defense Treaty remain ironclad.” He also brought up to Ma the importance of maintaining peace and stability not just in the South China Sea, but also across the Taiwan Strait.
Committed to upholding the rule of law, US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson recently urged the PRC to “cease harassment of Philippine vessels lawfully operating in the Philippine exclusive economic zones” during a conference in Manila.
Carlson reaffirmed that the US stands as a committed ally to the Philippines and supports its maritime claims in the WPS.
Yesterday, China released a response to the US pronouncement that the threats to peace and stability in the high seas are growing louder and stronger because Beijing keeps defying international laws.
China, in a statement, called the US “selective” when it comes to the application of what it claims as “rules-based international order.”
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “US’ Campbell, China’s Ma discuss areas of cooperation, difference”.