US House passes resolution on East Sea, East China Sea

The US House of Representatives passed a resolution on December 4 that stresses the need for a peaceful solution to maritime and jurisdictional disputes in the South China Sea (called East Sea in Vietnam) and the East China Sea

The US House of Representatives passed a resolution on December 4 that stresses the need for a peaceful solution to maritime and jurisdictional disputes in the South China Sea (called East Sea in Vietnam) and the East China Sea on the basis of international law.

A Japan's coastguard ship confronts Taiwanese vessels in the East China Sea (Photo: AFP)

The resolution, coded H.Res-174, is the first of its kind and its adoption shows deep concern of US law makers about the increasingly complicated developments in the region, including the East Sea.

It re-affirms the US government’s strong support for freedom of navigation and other internationally lawful uses of sea and airspace in the Asia-Pacific region.

It condemns coercive actions or the use of force to impede these freedoms in international maritime domains and airspace, and urges the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), US allies and partners, and all claimants to seek peaceful solutions to disputes by fully abiding by the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea, towards formulating the Code of Conduct in the East Sea.

On November 20, the resolution was approved by the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

The resolution was sponsored by congressmen Eni F.H Faleomavaega, Elliot Engel, Steve Chabot, Madeleine Bordallo, Ros Latihnen, Ani Bera and Steve Stockman.