US legislators do not see confrontation over territorial dispute

Jan 17, 2012, 12:23 GMT

Manila - Rising tensions over territorial disputes in the the South China Sea were not likely to deteriorate into a confrontation with Beijing, US legislators said in the Philippines on Tuesday.

But the senators said the United States would increase its military presence in the Asia-Pacific region to help allies such as the Philippines to boost their defence capabilities.

'I do not predict confrontation, but I do project that if we retain a very strong military presence and form alliances in the region such as what we have with the Philippines, that will lead to a more peaceful region,' said Senator John McCain.

Senator Joseph Lieberman added: 'Conflict is not inevitable ... We will not let those claims be settled by force or bullying.'

This month, the US unveiled a new defence strategy to boost its presence in the Asia-Pacific and the Middle East while making its armed forces smaller and leaner.

Manila, a long-time US ally, has been in dispute with Beijing over China's alleged aggression in Philippine-claimed territories in the South China Sea, a key shipping lane in the region. The area is also thought to be rich in mineral resources.

Aside from China and the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims over the South China Sea.

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