(VOVworld) – 4 senators leading two key committees in the Senate released a statement on Friday to voice their support for the Philippines’ lawsuit against China. They also called on the US government to support countries in the region to fight China’s ambition to take over the East Sea.

Senator John McCain

Senators John McCain, Jack Reed, Bob Cocker, and Ben Cardin said although the US is not on any side involved in disputes in the East Sea, it welcomes the Philippines’ commitments to pursue legal measures. While China is building and militarizing facilities in the East Sea and increasing coercive measures to achieve its goals, the Philippines’ continued efforts to resolve disputes peacefully in line with international law and through international arbitration are encouraging. The senators said the US should continue to support its allies and partners in fighting China’s ambition by frequently exercising navigation and aviation freedom in the East Sea and East China Sea, support the maritime capacity of Southeast Asian countries, and conduct joint drills and patrols. They also said that the US should take necessary steps to maintain the balance of power in order to ensure peace and stability in the region.