U.S. and Vietnam Warn Against 'Threat or Use of Force' in South China Sea

September 11, 2023: On Monday, the United States and Vietnam warned against the “threat or use of force” in the South China Sea, reaffirming their commitment to a peaceful resolution of regional disputes.

The two countries issued a joint statement after a meeting between U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Vietnamese Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son in Hanoi. The statement said that the United States and Vietnam “strongly oppose any unilateral attempts to change the status quo or increase tensions in the South China Sea.”

The statement also said that the United States and Vietnam “continue cooperating to promote freedom of navigation and overflight, unimpeded lawful commerce, and the peaceful resolution of disputes following international law.”

The South China Sea is a strategically important waterway home to vital shipping lanes and rich fishing grounds. Several countries claim the region, including China, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

China has been accused of militarizing the South China Sea, building artificial islands, and deploying military aircraft and ships. The United States has countered China’s actions, conducting freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea.

The joint statement by the United States and Vietnam clearly warns China that the two countries will not tolerate any attempts to use force in the South China Sea. The report also reaffirms the commitment of the United States and Vietnam to a peaceful resolution of disputes in the region.

Here are some actional and practical takeaways from the article:

• The United States and Vietnam are committed to peacefully resolving disputes in the South China Sea.
• The two countries will not tolerate any attempts to use force in the region.
• The joint statement is a clear warning to China.
• The United States and Vietnam are working together to promote freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea.