Washington finds it hard to maintain impartial stance

Washington has repeatedly said it will remain neutral in the territorial disputes between China and other Asian countries, but the implementation of this policy comes with ambiguity and sometimes, contradiction.

Since the Obama administration shifted its foreign policy priority to the Asia-Pacific region it has greatly enhanced its engagement in regional affairs both diplomatically and economically. In addition to strengthening ties with their allies and partners, the United States has tried to consolidate its power in the region by interfering in the territorial disputes in the South China Sea and East China Sea.

Amid escalating tensions between China and Japan over the Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea, several US diplomats have said on different occasions over the past week that Washington will not take sides in the dispute, and that it is very sincere about its impartial position.