MANILA, Philippines — US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Secretary of Defense James Mattis made it clear to Beijing that Washington's position on the South China Sea remains unchanged during a security dialogue between the two countries. Tillerson said he and Mattis had a frank exchange of views on the disputed waters with the Chinese leaders. "We oppose changes to the status quo of the past through the militarization of outposts in the South China Sea and excessive maritime claims unsupported by international law, and we uphold the freedom of navigation and overflight," Tillerson said in a press conference. Mattis said that they also discussed the importance of freedom of navigation, peaceful resolution of maritime disputes and ways to decrease tension in the South China Sea. A few weeks ago, Tillerson accused China of using its economic power to evade issues such as the South China Sea dispute.

Source: Philippine Star June 24, 2017 03:56 UTC