US Department of Defense criticizes China for sinking Vietnamese fishing vessel (Source: PBS)

In a statement, the Department of Defense said China’s behavior stands in contrast to the US’s vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region, in which all nations, large and small, are secure in their sovereignty, free from coercion, and able to pursue economic growth consistent with accepted international rules and norms.  The US will continue to support efforts by its allies and partners to ensure freedom of navigation and economic opportunity throughout the entire Indo-Pacific, the statement said.

The COVID-19 pandemic underscores the importance of a rules-based international order, which enables us to address any shared threat in a way that is transparent, focused, and effective, said the statement. 

The US called on all parties to refrain from actions that would destabilize the region, distract from the global response to the coronavirus pandemic, or risk needlessly contributing to any loss of life or property, according to the Defense Department. 

A representative of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs met with a representative of the Chinese Embassy and presented a formal protest note that asked the Chinese government to investigate and make sure the Chinese side doesn't repeat its actions and to adequately compensate the losses of the Vietnamese fishermen.