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Journalism of Courage
The United States and China sought to defuse tensions over disputed territorial seas on Tuesday,with US Defence Secretary Robert M Gates urging nations to honour historic rights of free transit through international waters and his Chinese counterpart saying the region has nothing to fear from Beijings armed forces.
The statement by Gates to a forum of Asian defence ministers was emphatic in calling on all countries that share the South China Sea to renounce threats or coercion in resolving their competing claims of sovereignty.
But he was equally diplomatic in not specifically naming China as the perceived aggressor in disputes over transit lanes,fishing rights,territory and undersea resources that have roiled relations with several neighbours,in particular Japan and Vietnam.
Beijings delegation also spoke in measured terms,emphasising that Chinas military growth was not a threat. Chinas message,while delivered in broad,nonspecific terms,was interpreted as representing an effort to calm concerns over Beijings maritime intentions.
We have a national interest in freedom of navigation,in unimpeded economic development and commerce,and in respect for international law, Gates told the Association of Southeast Asian Nations,which was meeting in an expanded forum that also included China and Russia.
Although Gates warned that disputes over the oceans and their resources are a growing challenge to regional stability and prosperity.
Chinese Defence Minister Gen Liang Guanglie,called for mutual trust throughout the region,and said neighbours need not fear his nations military.
Chinas defence development is not aimed to challenge or threaten anyone,but to ensure its security and promote international and regional peace and stability, the minister said.
