China hopes the United States can “help and not cause problems” in the disputed South China Sea, a senior Chinese diplomat said on Friday ahead of next week’s visit to Beijing by President Donald Trump. The United States has criticized China’
BEIJING (Reuters) – China hopes the United States can “help and not cause problems” in the disputed South China Sea, a senior Chinese diplomat said on Friday ahead of next week’s visit to Beijing by President Donald Trump.
The United States has criticized China’s construction of islands and build-up of military facilities in the sea, and is concerned they could be used to restrict free nautical movement.
U. S. Navy ships have also carried out freedom of navigation patrols in the area, angering China.
Speaking to reporters about Trump’s trip, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zheng Zeguang said China has indisputable sovereignty over islands and surrounding waters in the South China Sea.
The essence of the South China Sea problem is some regional countries’ illegal occupation of some of China’s islands and reefs, Zheng said, adding China was willing to resolve issues peacefully through talks with countries directly involved.
“The South China Sea issue isn’t an issue between China and the United States,” he added.
“We hope that as an external party, the United States can plant more flowers and fewer thorns, help and not cause problems”.
Zheng said he said he hoped the United States could objectively view the positive developments in the South China Sea and respect efforts by China and Southeast Asian countries to safeguard peace and stability there.
