In a draft resolution submitted to the House of Representatives, US lawmakers slammed China’s “coercive and unfriendly” action against Japan, saying it threatens peace in the region.
The bipartisan resolution was submitted on Friday by members of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs amid deteriorating bilateral relations between the two neighbours and in the backdrop of the recent military exercises undertaken by both Chinese and Japanese forces.
The resolution also noted that Chinese fighter aircraft recently “locked fire and control radar on Japanese air force planes, including US-made F-15 fighter jets, over international airspace southeast of Okinawa Prefecture”.
The resolution further called on the Chinese government to “cease its coercive actions against Japan” and “engage in constructive dialogue on matters of regional concern”.
It also urged US President Donald Trump to work together with partner nations to safeguard economic and global trade routes in the Indo-pacific region.
Also Read: US to 'balance' relations with Japan and China: Rubio
Beijing’s relations with Tokyo soured after Japanese Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, said in the Parliament that Japan would view Chinese adventures in Taiwan a “survival-threatening situation” that could trigger a military response.
Beijing responded by describing the presence of Japanese aircraft near its exercise zone as a blatant violation and said the planes had obstructed joint exercises between China and Russia.
It has also issued a travel advisor,y urging its citizens to avoid travelling to Japan.
Last Friday, the Trump administration’s top diplomat, Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, said the US will “balance” its relations with both Japan and China.
Rubio also referred to Japan as a “firm alliance” while acknowledging the need for maintaining good relations with China.
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