56. U.S.: Gates Warns Against Territorial Disputes

U.S.: Gates Warns Against Territorial Disputes October 12, 2010 Asian-Pacific defense chiefs should avoid resorting to “force or coercion” to settle territorial disputes and maritime claims that are a growing challenge to regional stability and prosperity, U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Oct. 12, Reuters reported. The United States does not take sides in competing territorial claims, such as those in the South China Sea, Gates said, adding the United States always exercised its rights and supported the rights of others to transit through, and operate in, international waterways.