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| South China sea ( Image credits- VOA) |
Source- Want China Times
China-US relations appear to be heading down the wrong path after American military officials recently indicated that US ships and aircraft would be sent to disputed waters in the South China Sea notwithstanding China's territorial claims in the region, says Duowei News, a US-based Chinese political news outlet.
"Make no mistake, we will fly, sail and operate wherever international law permits," said US defense secretary Ash Carter on Oct. 13, in response to a question about China's aggressive land reclamation activities in the South China Sea, where it is engaged in territorial disputes with countries such as Vietnam and the Philippines.
"We will do that in the time and place of our choosing," he added.
Carter's statements came a day after the New York Times reported that the US plans to conduct naval patrols within 12 nautical miles of China's man-made islands in the South China Sea. Under international law, territorial waters extend 12 nautical miles from the coast.
The US maintains that China's land reclamation activities are a violation of international laws guaranteeing freedom of navigation because they include military constructions such as airstrips and aircraft hangers. China, on the other hand, has repeatedly denied that the activities serve a military purpose.
Last month, admiral Harry Harris, commander of the US Pacific Command, said that China's militarization of the South China Sea islands are of great concern and pose a threat to all countries in the region, adding that Washington should challenge China's territorial claims through naval patrols.
This view is supported by admiral John Richardson, the US Chief of Naval Operations, who told reporters Oct. 15 that the US should "continue to proceed" with the patrols "in accordance with international norms."
"(This is) part of routine navigation in international waters, consistent with international rules there: I don't see how these could be interpreted as provocative in any way," he added.
In response, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said in a press conference on the same day: "The Chinese side always respects and stands up for the freedom of navigation and over-flight in the South China Sea and other major international passages all countries are entitled to under international law."
"However, we firmly oppose any country using the freedom of navigation and over-flight as an excuse to undermine other countries' sovereignty and security. We urge the US side to work with China and play a responsible and constructive role in maintaining peace and stability of the South China Sea," she added.
The overseas edition of the Communist Party mouthpiece People's Daily, has also chimed in with an editorial critical of America's intentions, noting that Washington is "having a hard time trying to justify such provocative step."
The editorial notes that Washington's position "obviously contradicts" its previous statements claiming that it takes no stand over the territorial claims in the South China Sea. Secondly, the paper said, China has "never done anything to infringe upon the freedom of navigation" in the region. Thirdly, China has "already pledged that it has no intention to pursue militarization of the newly reclaimed islands." However, if the US carries through this move, it will "leave China no choice but to beef up its defense capabilities," the editorial added.
It is clear that US interference in the South China Sea is aimed at halting or at least slowing down China's rise into a major world power, Duowei said, adding that it shows Washington's distrust of Beijing and its own insecurity. With neither side willing to take the risk of engaging in a genuine military conflict and no feasible suggestions to resolve tensions, Beijing needs to at least stop bilateral ties from continuing to venture down the wrong path, Duowei added.
Original article published here @ Want China Times
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