U.S. says it's aware of reports Vietnam fortified South China Sea islands

U.S. says it's aware of reports Vietnam fortified South China Sea islands

HANDOUT

State Department Spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau said at a news briefing that the United States is aware of the reports and added: "We continue to call on all South China Sea claimants to avoid actions that build tensions, take practical steps to build confidence and intensify efforts that find peaceful, diplomatic solutions to dispute."

(Reporting by Ruthy Munoz; Editing by Mohammad Zargham)

TOP READS FROM THE FISCAL TIMES