JUNE 18 (Reuters) — China told other countries to stay out of the South China Sea debate on Wednesday (June 17) after the U.S. State Department said China’s island reclamation announcement would not ease tensions in the disputed region.
China will soon complete some of its land reclamation on the Spratly islands in the disputed South China Sea, the Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday (June 16), indicating that Beijing is close to setting up new outposts in the maritime heart of Southeast Asia.
The United States, which has called for a halt in China’s island building in the South China Sea, said it had “noted” Beijing’s announcement, but was concerned about its plans for more construction work, including for military defense.
A State Department spokesperson said China’s stated plans did not contribute to a reduction in tensions, support the emergence of diplomatic and peaceful solutions, or bolster China’s disputed maritime claim.
When asked about the U.S. State department comments, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said that China’s reclamation in the Spratlys was for peaceful purposes, and called on other countries to stay out of the issue.
“On the contrary, we hope the relevant country, in particular some countries that are outside of the region, do more to contribute to the region’s peace and stability, and not engage in activities that could increase and hype up tensions in the region,” he said.
China stepped up its creation of artificial islands last year, alarming several countries in Asia and drawing growing criticism from Washington. There have been recent tensions between the Chinese navy and the U.S. military around the Spratlys.
China claims most of the South China Sea, through which $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes every year. The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei have overlapping claims. (Beijing, China)