China denounces US report about South China Sea
Iran Press TV
Tue Dec 9, 2014 11:34AM GMT
China has denounced a report by the US State Department about the Asian country's sovereignty claims over the South China Sea, urging the US not to take sides in the issue.
'The US report ignores the basic facts and international legal principles and is contrary to its promises not to take a position or sides,' Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said at a daily news briefing on Tuesday.
The report, released on Friday, said that China's claims in the South China Sea were both unclear and inconsistent.
'It is not helpful to the resolution of the South China Sea issue and the peace and stability of the South China Sea. We urge the US side to abide by its promises, act and speak cautiously and objectively and fairly view and deal with the relevant issue,' Hong said.
On Sunday, China condemned the Philippines for challenging through international arbitration Beijing's maritime claims over the disputed waters.
The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague has given Beijing until December 15 to reply to the case, which argues that the Chinese claims concerning the South China Sea lack legal basis.
China, however, has refused to participate in the court, saying it will resolve disputes bilaterally.
Beijing claims sovereignty over almost the whole of the South China Sea, which is also claimed in part by Brunei, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and the Philippines. The waters are believed to sit atop vast reserves of minerals, oil and gas.
Beijing has frequently warned the United States to be cautious in its words and actions with regard to territorial disputes involving China and its neighbors.
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