The US Department of State welcomed China's announcement that it is relocating its oil rig off the Parcel Islands in the South China Sea to Hainan Island.
"The oil rig incident has highlighted the need for claimants to clarify their claims in accordance with international law to reach a shared understanding on appropriate behavior and activities in disputed areas," Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki told reporters on Wednesday.
The placement of the rig near the Parcel Islands created tensions with Vietnam as the location is in disputed waters.
"We support relevant parties adopting a voluntary freeze on provocative unilateral actions in support of further implementation of the 2002 code of conduct for the South China Sea between China and ASEAN [Association of Southeast Asian Nations]," affirmed Psaki.