US admiral: South China Sea friction threatens world stability

MANILA, Philippines — Admiral Samuel Locklear III, commander of the US Pacific Command, warned Southeast Asian countries against escalating  tensions over South China Sea, a strategic waterway critical to world economy and stability.

In an interview with Japanese broadcaster NHK, the Navy admiral called the disputed waters "friction points" which endanger not only order in the region "but in the entire interconnected economic global system."

The admiral attended the recent Shangri-la Dialogue in Singapore with Asian defense ministers and officials. His statement came after US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel slammed China's destabilizing actions in the contested areas.

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Locklear said that nations, including the Philippines and China, need to be careful about their rhetoric and provocative acts in asserting their overlapping maritime and territorial claims.

"We encourage all nations in the region to avoid all provocation, and avoid miscalculation," he added.

The official also expressed US' objective in the western Pacific to protect its assets and allies. The Philippines, Japan, Thailand, Australia and South Korea have defense treaties with the US.

Locklear, who leads the dominant military power in the Pacific, said that America has been involved in the region since the early 1800s and is intending to keep peace and prosperity in the next 70 years.

"For about the last 70 years, we have been the centerpiece of the security architecture here. In that 70 years, the peace and prosperity has helped not only the American people, but has helped the people of every country in this region," he said.

Locklear explained that peace upheld by the US in this part of the world allowed Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asian countries and even China to prosper.

"The US doesn't need to be the guarantor of security, but we will certainly remain here and participate," the military official said.