US warns China not to "militarize" the situation in the East Sea
US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said on May 27 at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii: China's aggressive actions in the East Sea violate all international norms.
Sputnik News quoted Mr. Carter as emphasizing that China's aggressive actions have made Asia-Pacific countries more united and increased the need for the US to be present in the region.
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| US Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter (AP Photo) |
“The United States is committed to maintaining the principles of security in the region for decades to come,” Mr. Carter declared.
“China’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea violate every international norm and regional consensus not to use its power to coerce other countries in territorial disputes,” Mr. Carter added.
Mr. Carter warned China not to “militarize” the situation in the East Sea by building military bases on reefs that China is illegally converting into artificial islands.
The US Secretary of Defense also affirmed that the US has the right to freely operate in the Asia-Pacific region despite all actions by China.
“The United States will operate at sea and in the air wherever international law allows, as we have always done around the globe,” Mr. Carter emphasized./.
According to VOV
