China declares it will not recklessly use force in the East Sea

China today pledged that it would never "recklessly" use force in the East Sea, while defending that its construction of artificial islands does not affect freedom of movement in the area.

"We will never recklessly use force, even on sovereignty issues, and have done our utmost to avoid accidental conflicts," Reuters quoted Fan Changlong, vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission (CMC), as saying at a high-level security forum attended by defense ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Vice Chairman of China's Central Military Commission Fan Changlong. Photo: CNS.

Mr. Pham once again defended that the artificial islands China built "will not affect freedom of navigation" in the East Sea. Two new lighthouses built on Gac Ma and Chau Vien reefs "have begun providing navigation services to all countries".

According to Mr. Pham, China will "continue to resolve disputes and differences with directly related parties through consultation and coordinate actions to maintain regional security and stability."

Relations between China and several Southeast Asian countries have been strained after Beijing took actions to materialize its unreasonable sovereignty claims in the East Sea. China has stepped up construction of artificial islands in this sea, a move that has been strongly criticized by countries in the region and the United States.

The US says international law does not allow claims to the area around artificial islands built on submerged features. The US military will sail or fly wherever international law allows.

China denies accusations it is militarizing the South China Sea, warning it will not allow what it considers its territorial waters in the area to be violated in the name of freedom of navigation.

According to VNE