US says China, avoid taking actions for region’s peace

Washington: Expressing concern over the flight of a Chinese government airplane near the Senkaku Island, the United States has asked China to avoid taking actions that raises tensions in the region.

“We are concerned by the flight of a Chinese government airplane near the Senkakus. It’s important to avoid actions that raise tensions and to prevent miscalculations that could undermine peace, security and economic growth in the region,” the State Department spokesperson Patrick Ventrell told reporters at a news conference on Friday.

The United States, Ventrell said, is also in talks with Japan in this regard. “We think it’s important to avoid any actions that raise tensions,” he said.

“I wouldn’t speculate on Chinese actions, but clearly, we’ve been clear about why we’re pivoting toward Asia and the actions that were taken and the important alliances we have there and the important work that we do with our partners across the region,” he added.