(VOVworld) –  China’s forceful actions in some waters have not only escalated tensions but also ruined its international status, said Daniel Russel, US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and Pacific Affairs on Wednesday.

China's deployment of warships to its illegal oil rig in the East Sea

Speaking at a testimony before Congress, Russel condemned China’s recent actions in the East Sea and East China Sea which worried China’s neighboring countries. He added China’s placing of oil rigs in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone in the East Sea and escalating territorial dispute with US allies like the Philippines and Japan created concerns about risks of military clashes and the harm to regional economies. Russel said China needs to follow high standards of conduct. China’s threatening to pressure economies, potential use of violence, and ignoring diplomatic and peaceful solutions  have dangerously destabilized the region.