US warns China over building artificial islands in South China Sea

The United States has warned China over its construction projects in the South China Sea area as tensions escalate between Washington and Beijing.

US Assistant Secretary Of State for East Asia Daniel Russel said Wednesday China’s territorial claims of man-made islands in the South China Sea may have “harsh and heavy consequences” and could further militarize the region.

“Not every problem is best dealt with by imposing harsh and heavy consequences,” Russel was quoted as saying by the Washington Post.

“But sure, we are looking at the options available to us if persuasion and diplomacy doesn’t work,” he added.

During a visit to China this weekend, US Secretary of State John Kerry would warn Chinese leaders that Beijing’s building projects could have negative consequences for regional stability and for relations with the United States.

Tensions are rising between the United States and China following a proposed US military plan to send aircraft and Navy ships near the disputed islands to contest Chinese territorial claims over the area.

On Tuesday, a US official said the Pentagon was considering sending military aircraft and warships to confront Chinese territorial claims.

China expressed anger over the Pentagon’s decision.

“We are severely concerned by relevant remarks made by the American side,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Hua Chunying, at a regular briefing in Beijing on Wednesday.

"Freedom of navigation does not mean that the military vessels or aircraft of a foreign country can wilfully enter the territorial waters or airspace of another country," she said.

Washington accuses Beijing of rapidly building up to 800 hectares (2,000 acres) of artificial islands in the Spratlys, an archipelago of more than a hundred islands, reefs and atolls between Vietnam and the Philippines.

Beijing claims sovereignty over nearly all of the South China Sea, which is also claimed in part by Taiwan, Brunei, Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines.

The disputed territories, which are located in the main shipping routes passing through the South China Sea, are believed to be rich in oil and gas.

Over the past months, tensions have escalated between China and its neighbors over the territories, including the Spratly Islands. The United States has taken sides with its allies against Beijing.

Observers believe America’s efforts to increase its presence in the Asia-Pacific region is aimed at containing China.

China accuses the United States of meddling in the regional issues and deliberately stirring up tensions in the South China Sea.

AHT/AGB

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