New Delhi: US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo recently called on Southeast Asian countries to take action against China's aggression in the disputed South China Sea. Pompeo spoke to his counterparts at the annual conference of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations last Thursday, with four members of the organization - the Philippine, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei - embroiled in regional conflicts over the busiest waterways over the long term with China.

According to media reports, the US does not claim the South China Sea, but the Trump administration had recently banned Chinese officials responsible for Beijing's military construction in the region. This military construction involves building airspace and setting up radar and missile centres on islands built above coral reefs. After which there has been a state of fear that China may come to interfere with freedom of navigation in international waters.

In addition, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said, "He stressed on peaceful resolution of the disputes, Don't let the Chinese Communist Party fall heavily on us and our people. You have to be confident and America is here to help as your friend."

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