Stop threatening our sovereignty: China to US

Amid tensions over the South China Sea, China on Wednesday warned the US not to take “dangerous actions” that threatens its sovereignty and security interest, days after an American destroyer patrolled the disputed area.

Chinese Defence Minister General Chang Wanquan on Wednesday met his American counterpart Ashton Carter on the sidelines of ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus to discuss steps to scale down tensions in the South China Sea (SCS). He asked the US not to take further “dangerous actions” that threaten China’s sovereignty and security interests.

Chang said that during President Xi Jinping’s visit to the US in September, Xi agreed with his US counterpart Barack Obama on continuing efforts in building a new type of major- country relations between the two countries, reaffirming the correct directions for future development of China-US ties.

He said both countries should work on the implementation of the consensus between the two leaders and push forward the development of military ties in a constructive manner. Referring to the sailing of guided missile destroyer USS Lassen through the islands and reefs claimed by China, he said that China firmly opposes US action of sending a navy vessel without its authorisation into waters adjacent to the islands of Nansha/Spratley, threatening its sovereignty and security interests and undermines regional peace and stability. 

China claims sovereignty on almost all of the South China Sea which is firmly opposed by Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan.