The United States is not neutral when it comes to following international law in the South China Sea and will come down forcefully to ensure that all parties adhere to the rules, Washington’s top diplomat for East Asia said Tuesday. The United States has repeatedly said that while it takes no position on competing for sovereignty claims over disputed land features in the South China Sea, it does want these maritime claims to be advanced in accordance with international law and without the use of coercion (See: “The Case for a Bolder US South China Sea Policy“). That hedged position has led some to incorrectly read the U.S. stance on the issue as being ‘neutral,’ with China, in particular, accusing Washington of ‘taking sides.’

Parameswaran, P. (2015, July 23). 'US not neutral in South China Sea disputes'. The Manila Times, p. A5.