US sees Crimea crisis deterring China

WASHINGTON D.C.: A senior US official voiced confidence on Thursday (Friday in Manila) that the global response to Russia’s annexation of Crimea would have a “chilling effect” that deters China from contemplating similar action.

Since Russia seized Crimea last month, US lawmakers and Asian diplomats have asked about the message sent to an increasingly confident China—especially with regard to Taiwan, which is claimed by Beijing and relies on US support.