United States neutral in Philippines-China row

United States neutral in Philippines-China row

WASHINGTON (Reuter): The United States, which has its own disputes with China, on Monday refused to take sides in the Philippines dispute with Beijing over the Spratly Islands.

"Our position on this is that we don't take a position on the merit of competing claims in the South China Sea," State Department spokeswoman Christine Shelly told reporters.

"We have stated firmly that these conflicting claims should be resolved peacefully, that we see no justification for any threat or use of military force, and that we would view the use or threat of force as a very serious matter," she said.

She added: "We support diplomatic efforts to try to resolve these territorial disputes peacefully."

Earlier in the day, the Philippines -- once a close U.S. ally in Asia -- said it was considering elevating the issue of China's occupation of a coral reef in the disputed Spratly islands to the United Nations Security Council and the World Court.

Foreign Secretary Roberto Romulo refused to give details of "the military aspects" of the country's strategy but made it clear the Philippines had no wish for a military confrontation with China.

Romulo spoke before the Senate foreign relations committee, which called a hearing to study what Manila could do to persuade China to withdraw from a portion of the Spratlys that the Philippines claims as its own.

The Philippines has accused China of violating international law by sending warships and building substantial structures on Mischief Reef in the Kalayaan (Freedom) island group.

The military said on Sunday China had pulled out seven of its nine vessels but the facilities remained.

The United States has been on the verge of a trade war with China over copyright piracy and also has serious disputes with Beijing over human rights issues and missile sales.