Biden expressed his concern when he met the Chinese People's Liberation Army Chief of General Staff Fang Fenghui at the White House yesterday.
"The Vice President underscored the United States' serious concern about China's unilateral actions in waters disputed with Vietnam," the White House said.
Biden reaffirmed that while the US does not take a position on the competing territorial claims, no nation should take provocative steps to advance claims over disputed areas in a manner that undermines peace and stability in the region, the White House said.
Earlier yesterday, Nina Hachigian, Nominee to be representative of the US to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), told lawmakers that the US has a national interest in the unfettered flow of this commerce and in freedom of navigation and overflight in these waters.
"Half of the tonnage of the world's ship-based cargo passes through the South China Sea," she said during her confirmation hearing.
"We have a deep stake in ensuring that the territorial and maritime disputes in the South China Sea are solved peacefully, without coercion, force or intimidation and in accordance with international law.
China, she said, is a major economic player in the region, no question.
"They have strong trading relationship with ASEAN. But we have strong trading relationships with ASEAN as well and we're the largest foreign investor by far," Hachigian added.
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