During a phone call on Thursday, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell expressed “serious concerns” to his Chinese counterpart about the Chinese regime’s actions in the South China Sea, according to the State Department.
The conversation between Mr. Campbell and China’s vice premier of foreign affairs, Ma Zhaoxu, focused on managing competition between the two countries. The U.S. and China are in disagreement on various issues, including trade, technology, human rights, and Beijing’s military activities in the South China Sea.
Mr. Campbell highlighted the U.S.’s support for freedom of navigation, peaceful dispute resolution, and its commitments to the Philippines under the Mutual Defense Treaty. He also discussed concerns about China’s support for Russia’s defense industry and challenges on the Korean Peninsula.
Despite Washington’s appeal, the Chinese regime seemed unmoved. During a briefing, China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that China emphasized its stance on Taiwan, Tibet, Ukraine, and the South China Sea during the call with Mr. Campbell.
The recent tensions in the South China Sea have escalated with confrontations between Chinese and Philippine ships. In a June 17 incident near Second Thomas Shoal, part of the disputed Spratly Islands, the Philippines reported injuries and vessel damage following a clash with Chinese boats.
A 2016 international ruling rejected China’s claims near Second Thomas Shoal, stating the island was within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. Despite this ruling, the Chinese regime refused to participate in the arbitration.
In response to China’s military expansion, the Philippines and the U.S. have increased military coordination, with an agreement signed in 2023 to expand U.S. military presence in the Philippines. President Biden’s national security adviser also reaffirmed U.S. commitments to the Philippines during a recent phone call.
Please rewrite the following sentence:
“The dog ran quickly through the park.”
Rewritten sentence:
The dog sprinted through the park with speed.
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