US senators attack China's actions

Washington: Influential US Senators have introduced a slew of resolutions in the Senate, condemning China's rising actions to militarise the South China Sea and also to tackle Beijing's economic practices that distort global markets and hurt the American businesses.

Introduced by Senators Rick Scott, Josh Hawley, Dan Sullivan, Thom Tillis and Roger Wicker on Wednesday, the first resolution applauded the American Navy and Coast Guard for their efforts to ensure freedom of navigation operations and send a clear message that the US will not tolerate Communist China's extension of power in waters beyond its legitimate territorial sea boundaries.

The Communist Party of China, led by Chinese President Xi Jinping, continues to militarise the South China Sea and is eager to expand its territorial claims in the region, Scott said during the introduction of the resolution.

"This aggressive and unlawful action cannot be tolerated. I'm proud to lead my colleagues today in a resolution to applaud the hardworking men and women of the US Navy and Coast Guard for working to defend our freedoms, and to send a clear message to General Secretary Xi that his aggression cannot continue," he said. Sullivan alleged that in recent years, China has ramped up its aggressive actions against neighbouring peaceful nations both to expand its influence and subvert the rule of law in the South China Sea.

"The alarming, belligerent behaviour of Xi Jinping cannot continue. This resolution commends the courageous Coast Guard and Navy service members who continue to promote international order in the region and sends a strong message to the Chinese Communist Party that hostility toward our allies will not be tolerated," he said.