 |
| US Vice President Mike Pence |
By Patricia Lourdes Viray
MANILA, Philippines — United States (US) Vice President Mike Pence stressed Washington's stand on the South China Sea dispute during his visit to Indonesia on Thursday.
"The United States will uphold the fundamental freedoms of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea and throughout the Asia Pacific," Pence said during his joint press conference with Indonesia President Joko Widodo.
Pence also said that the US will ensure the flow of trade in the region amid issues of global concern.
The disputed South China Sea carries $5 trillion in trade annually and contains an estimated 11 billion barrels of oil, 190 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and 12 percent of the global fish catch.
"We'll ensure the unimpeded flow of lawful commerce and promote peaceful diplomatic dialogue to address issues of regional and global concern," Pence said.
Read the full story at PhilStar