US calls for calm in tense West Philippine Sea

WASHINGTON—The United States says it wants “cooler heads” to prevail in the tense West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

China has traded diplomatic barbs with the Philippines and Vietnam in recent weeks over maritime incidents near disputed Spratly islands.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on Thursday said Washington is committed to the defense of its treaty ally, the Philippines.

Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell told reporters Friday the US did not intend to “fan the flames” and wants maintenance of peace and stability.

He said the US does not take a stand on sovereignty issues and wants “recent tensions to subside and cooler heads to prevail.”

Campbell will join a US delegation holding talks with China on this and other Asia-Pacific issues in Hawaii over the weekend.