US President Barack Obama asked Congress to ratify contentious UN maritime rules Thursday, hoping to strengthen his hand in a dangerous stand-off with Beijing over the disputed South China Sea.
Addressing the US Air Force Academy in Colorado, Obama said that Congress should approve UN rules designed to peacefully resolve maritime disputes.Obama's presidency has seen escalating diplomatic and military tensions over Beijing's claim to territory throughout the South China Sea.The area is a vital shipping channel that is also believed to have significant energy and mineral deposits.It is also pivotal to China's effort to transform the focus of its navy from coastal defense to a "blue water navy" capable of projecting power across the region. more
