‘US careful of South China Sea’

Apr 18, 2012 |      Age Correspondent  |      New Delhi ... 

Intensifying their engagement in the geo-strategic sphere and on issues concerning the region, India and the US over the last two days have discussed such crucial issues as the reforms being undertaken in the US defence export policies, China’s claims over the disputed South China Sea as well as the changes being witnessed in the military-ruled Burma.

The engagement has come through the two dialogues at senior-levels held so far. On Tuesday, the two sides met to participate in the 5th Dialogue on East Asia during which the South China Sea dispute came up for discussion. Also on the discussion platter was the recent failed rocket launch by North Korea as well as its impact on the Korean peninsula.

Mr Kurt Campbell, assistant secretary of state for East Asia and Pacific Affairs, who led the Americans, when asked about the South China Sea later told reporters “We try not to get into the business of bilateral interactions and disputes but instead have a principled policy about the parameters on which the dialogue and discussion should be based.”

He added, “All I would say is that the United States is very very careful about how we talk about and how we act in the South China Sea.”

As for Burma, Mr Campbell said that the US is planning to take some steps, among them lifting of financial sanctions. He further said that the US is also planning to lift travel restrictions besides inviting the foreign minister of Burma to visit the US.

In an indication of the importance that the US attaches to the changes taking place in Burma, US special representative for Burma, Derek Mitchell, was also present during the East Asia dialogue.

http://www.asianage.com/india/us-careful-south-china-sea-864