China says resolved to protect sovereignty
China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi has told his visiting US counterpart John Kerry that Beijing's resolve to protect its sovereignty is "unshakeable," amid new tensions between the rival powers.
"The determination of the Chinese side to safeguard our own sovereignty and territorial integrity is as firm as a rock and it is unshakeable," Wang said during a joint press conference with the US Secretary of State on Saturday following their talks in the Chinese capital as feud between Washington and Beijing is on the rise over island-building in the disputed South China Sea.
"It is the request of our people on our government as well as a legitimate right of ours," Wang further insisted.
China reportedly considers nearly the entire South China Sea as its own and also argues that Washington is not a party in the South China Sea disputes, which are between China and other regional claimants and should be handled by those directly involved.
Kerry also said Washington was "concerned about the pace and scope of China's land reclamation.” He also urged Beijing "to take actions that will join with everyone to reduce tensions."
However, senior officials of the US State Department stated before the meeting in Beijing that Kerry would take a tough line and "leave his Chinese interlocutors in absolutely no doubt that the United States remains committed to maintain freedom of navigation."
Additionally, China’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told reporters on Friday that "China's determination to defend national sovereignty and its legitimate rights and interests is unswerving."
"We will adopt stern measures to counter any acts that will pose provocations and threats against China," she underlined.
Moreover, in a Friday interview with state broadcaster CCTV, China’s Ambassador to the US Cui Tiankai lashed out at what he described as Washington's hypocrisy and confrontational attitude.
The development comes as the world's top two economies have significant commercial ties and Chinese President Xi Jinping is due to pay a state visit to the US next September.
MFB/NN/HRB
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