Beijing seeks to broaden presence in Indian Ocean through S. China Sea: U.S.

Asserting that it seeks to work with forces, who want China to behave in a responsible fashion, the United States has said that China is trying to gain access to the Indian Ocean through South China Sea, to broaden its presence in the region.

Maintaining that it views India as partner, U.S. Under Secretary for Political Affairs Tom Shannon said America understands China's behaviour in the region, especially in the South China Sea.

"We are looking for ways in which we can work with the others in the region, who want China to behave in a responsible fashion and behave in fashion that is bound by a constraint of commitment to rules and regulations, not just navigations and sea ferrying but also dispute resolution," Tom Shannon said in a function here.

He further pointed out that as China works to secure the South China Sea as an area of strategic importance, it does so with the intention of not going into the blue pacific but going to Indian Ocean and broadening its presence in the Indian Ocean.

"So in this regard, we see India as the natural strategic power of the Indian Ocean," he added.

He further said it is Washington's intention to work with India, to have a strong and comprehensive presence in the region.

"Which is why, Admiral Harry Harris was here recently and why we have conducted exercises both bilaterally and tri laterally in the Indian Ocean," he added.