China escalated its war of words against the incoming Trump administration on Friday, claiming in state media that Secretary of State nominee Rex Tillerson’s warning over Beijing’s military buildup in the South China Sea could signal the first shots of «a military clash. »
TILLERSON TAKES SWIPES AT CHINA OVER SOUTH CHINA SEA BUILDUP
During his confirmation hearing in front of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday, Tillerson accused Beijing of «declaring control of territories that are not rightfully China’s,» comparing its island-building efforts and deployment of military assets to Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea — an action that ended up prompting tough U. S. and European sanctions.
He added: «You’re going to have to send China a clear signal that first, the island building stops, and second, your access to those islands is also not going to be allowed. »
CHOICE OF MATTIS TO RUN PENTAGON WINS SUPPORT FROM DEMOCRATS
China was quick on the saber-rattling in a Global Times op-ed. «China has enough determination and strength to make sure that his rabble rousing will not succeed.
