Then the US carried out military exercises in the waterway showing support for the free and open Indo-Pacific, as the South China Sea has been subject to overlapping claims by many countries, including China. "That is what we have done in the Spanish-American War, World War I and World War II. The ambassador said the US is now focusing attention on the South China Sea to make sure that Beijing does not illegally extend its control over the waterway. He voiced support for Asean's position on the South China Sea in the 36th Asean Summit on June 26 and stressed that it comply with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos). Thai-US military allianceWhen asked his view on the future role of the military, Ambassador DeSombre said nobody wants conflict, but we are in a period of great power competition.

Source: Bangkok Post July 13, 2020 22:41 UTC