16:37, 02-Jun-2018
Asia Security Summit: Chinese delegation reiterates China's stance on South China Sea
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02:38
US Defense Secretary James Mattis has slammed China on the South China Sea. His strong words at the annual Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore led to criticism from China. The Chinese delegation at the gathering later reiterated Beijing's firm stance on the issue.
This year's summit sees a war of words between China and the US. It started with the US defense secretary criticising Beijing's actions in the South China Sea.
JAMES MATTIS US DEFENSE SECRETARY "China's policy in the South China Sea stands in stark contrast to the openness of what our strategy promotes, it calls into question China's broader goals. The US will continue to pursue a constructive, results-oriented relationship with China."
His remarks came a few days after China's air force landed bombers on several islands and reefs in the South China Sea as part of a training exercise in the region. The head of the Chinese delegation at the Singapore gathering refuted the US' accusation.
HE LEI, VICE PRESIDENT CHINESE ACADEMY OF MILITARY SCIENCES "The garrison and deployment of weapons in the reefs and islands in the South China Sea are within the scope of China's sovereignty. It is allowed by international law. Irresponsible talks by any other country are interference in China's internal affairs."
Mattis also blasted China for reneging on a 2015 promise made at the White House that Beijing would not militarize the island features in the South China Sea. Senior Chinese Colonel Zhou Bo, who is at the annual Shangri-La Dialogue, said that it's the US that tries to militarize the South China Sea -- NOT China.
The South China Sea region is claimed by several surrounding countries creating tensions between them. China has long offered to talk directly with countries in the region to resolve the issue.