US statement on South China Sea likely to raise tensions with China, say analysts

WASHINGTON - The United States' policy shift on China's claims in the South China Sea by rejecting them as illegal under international law may pave the way for more forceful responses from Washington over Chinese maritime activities in the contested waters, said analysts.

America's strong stance on the issue could also encourage South-east Asian claimant countries to stand up to China, although there were limits to doing so, they added.