"China is a Serious Violator of the Maritime Law Convention," US Warns of Fierce Criticism at ARF Meeting

ASEAN Countries Anticipate Seeking Cooperation Despite Opposition

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo expressed strong dissatisfaction with China during a briefing on a video conference related to ASEAN at the State Department on the 2nd.
[Photo by AP]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] The United States has announced a tough stance against China on the occasion of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Foreign Ministers' Meeting. The South China Sea and Hong Kong issues, which are closely related to ASEAN countries, are expected to be the main targets.

On the 2nd (local time), the U.S. Department of State announced in a press release that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will attend the ASEAN-related ministerial meetings held virtually from the 9th to the 11th. Secretary Pompeo is scheduled to participate in the virtual U.S.-ASEAN ministerial meeting, the East Asia Summit (EAS), ARF, the Mekong-U.S. Partnership Foreign Ministers' Meeting, as well as hold bilateral talks with ASEAN foreign ministers.

The State Department added, "Secretary Pompeo will attend the 27th ARF Foreign Ministers' Meeting on the 11th, reaffirm the importance of peace and security on the Korean Peninsula, and emphasize the United States' efforts and investments to advance the agenda of women, peace, and security in the Indo-Pacific region," but the clear target is China.

The State Department explained, "Secretary Pompeo will address U.S. priorities in the Indo-Pacific region and share details of our efforts to support a free and open region based on sovereignty and pluralism."

Secretary Pompeo also expressed determination during a press briefing that day. He stated, "Through this meeting, we will discuss COVID-19, the South China Sea, and the Rohingya issue in Myanmar." Except for the Rohingya issue, all topics are related to China.

It is clear that Secretary Pompeo will pursue various forms of checks on China and the consolidation of ASEAN forces through multilateral meetings attended by both the U.S. and China, as well as bilateral talks with ASEAN countries.

David Stilwell, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, who held the briefing with Secretary Pompeo, mentioned China's activities in the South China Sea, stating, "China is the most serious violator of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea," and expressed the intention to form an anti-China coalition with ASEAN countries by raising the South China Sea issue.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.