Put sanctions on China for invading Vietnam territory with the deployment of oil rig Haiyang 981

"put sanctions on China for invading Vietnam territory with the deployment of oil rig Haiyang 981" is an closed petition on the We the People site that had  139,554 signatures. It asks that the US would put sanctions unto the Chinese government for allegedly illegally invading Vietnam territory by deploying an oil rig named Haiyang 981 in the sea area.

Prompt:

"The relation between the United States and Vietnam in on the path of goodness within partnership and peace. We, the Vietnamese around the world calls upon the White House to look up firm sanctions against China for blatantly disregarding the current international recognized laws and territorial boundaries with the recent deployment of the massive and ecologically damaging oil rig Haiyang 981 into Vietnam's water.

Words and condemnation will not be enough. We need the White House to look into methods of economic sanctions against China, as this will be the only way for it to be effective." - T. D., San Diego, CA, May 13, 2014

White House Response:

"Response to We the People Petition on the South China Sea" Thank you for your petition. The United States has a national interest in the South China Sea, to include freedom of navigation, peaceful settlement of disputes, respect for international law, and unimpeded lawful commerce. We do not take a position on the ultimate sovereignty over land features in the South China Sea, but we do take a position in regards to how these disputes are pursued and addressed, and whether a coastal state's maritime claims are in accordance with international law. The United States has long called for China and all claimants to pursue their territorial claims and accompanying rights to maritime space peacefully, without resorting to coercion, and in accordance with international law. We support efforts that lower tensions and expand space for peaceful and diplomatic resolution of disputes. We have expressed our concerns over China's actions, including its deployment of the HD-981 drilling operation, to Chinese leaders at the highest levels.

Response Link