US creating tensions in South China Sea: Chinese Foreign Ministry

Asia-Pacific, News, US February 1, 2016 , by IRIA No Comments

China says the United States is seeking to establish a maritime hegemony under the pretext of “freedom of navigation” in South China Sea.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said during a daily news briefing on Monday that Washington is playing the freedom of navigation card and “creating tensions” in the China Sea.

On Friday, US missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur sailed within 12 nautical miles of Triton Island, which is part of the Paracel Islands in South China Sea.

The move, which the US described as a challenge to attempts by China, Taiwan and Vietnam to restrict navigation rights and freedoms, prompted Beijing’s condemnation.

“Its essence is to push the United States’ maritime hegemony in the name of freedom of navigation which has always been resolutely opposed by most of the international community, especially certain developing nations. What the United States has done is dangerous and irresponsible,” Lu said.

He said the United States has long been practicing this so-called freedom of navigation plans and acts which “in reality do not accord with generally recognized international law.”

In another move, the US sent its Navy destroyer USS Lassen to patrol within 12 nautical miles of a Chinese island in October.

The US accuses Beijing of using territorial claims to gradually assert control in the South China Sea.

Beijing, however, rejects the allegations and accuses Washington of meddling in the regional issues and deliberately stirring up tensions in the South China Sea.