In an unusually strong statement by the Pentagon, the U.S. has accused Beijing of employing ¡°bullying tactics¡± in the disputed South China Sea, citing what it said was ¡°coercive interference¡± in oil and gas activities in waters claimed by Vietnam.
¡°China will not win the trust of its neighbors nor the respect of the international community by maintaining its bullying tactics,¡± the U.S. Defense Department said in a statement released Monday.
It said Beijing¡¯s actions ¡°to coerce ASEAN claimants, station offensive military systems, and enforce an unlawful maritime claim raise serious doubts over China¡¯s credibility,¡± adding that the U.S. would continue to support its allies and partners ¡°to ensure freedom of navigation and economic opportunity throughout the entire Indo-Pacific.¡±
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