(VOVworld) - US senators have urged President Obama to deploy more patrols near the disputed islands in the East Sea to guarantee maritime security. Republicans suggested on Wednesday conducting periodic freedom of navigation patrols within 12 nautical miles of China’s illegally built islands in the East Sea. Chairman of the Senate Committee on External Relations, Bob Corker, said there should be weekly or monthly patrols.

An archive photo of destroyer USS Lassen, which sailed within 12 nautical miles of Subi Reef in the Spratly archipelago in the East Sea, on Oct. 27, 2015.

Senator for Colorado, Cory Gardner, said sending navy ships to patrol the East Sea every three months has not sent a strong enough message to China. Democrat senator Robert Menendez criticized China for dominating the region and supported Washington’s tougher stance towards China.

US Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken agreed that the US should organize periodic patrols around China’s illegally built islands. American diplomats say China has ignored neighboring countries and threatens regional stability, unless it changes its approach and clarifies its sovereignty claims in line with international law.