Adm. Samuel Locklear, the U.S. commander for the Pacific region, had a blunt warning about the misstep that could be made by underestimating territorial tensions between China and Vietnam: It could spark a much wider conflict with surrounding jurisdictions, he said.
His words: The “risk of miscalculation” over the standoff between the two nations could bring dire consequences — a conflict that involves other countries — and he urged Chinese and Vietnam officials to ratchet down rhetoric and resolve their disputes, The Associated Press reported.
The admiral suggested the best course of action would be for the two countries to abide international law and let the outcome of that level of mediation resolve their territorial claims, AP said.
He also said during a discussion with reporters that the United States has been trying to bolster ties with Vietnam and other Asian countries for some time, and that effort would continue, AP said.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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