BEIJING —
China warned Washington Tuesday that it would not back down over its claims in the disputed South China Sea, following vows by the Trump administration to defend U. S. and international interests there.
Comments by White House spokesman Sean Spicer about China’s artificial islands in the Sea, some capable of military use, have upped the ante in the dispute.
“China has indisputable sovereignty over the South China Sea islands and their adjacent waters,” foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a regular press briefing, adding that the country is “firm in safeguarding our rights and interests.”
“The United States is not a party to the South China Sea issue.”
Spicer said Monday that the U. S. “is going to make sure we protect our interests” in the Sea.
