A senior presidential official renewed South Korea’s calls Wednesday for peaceful resolution of territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
“South Korea has been strongly calling for restraint of any action that affects peace and stability in the region,” the official told reporters, adding that disputes should be resolved in accordance of international norms.
South Korea has a strategic interest in the South China Sea as it is a key shipping route through which 30 percent of South Korea’s exports and 90 percent of South Korean energy shipments pass.
Tensions between the United States and China have grown as the U.S. sent a warship near one of China’s artificial islets in the South China Sea.
The USS Lassen sailed through waters within 12 nautical miles of the Subi Reef, according to Pentagon officials.
China has denounced the U.S. move, calling it a provocation. (Yonhap)
