torsdag 21. oktober 2021

Beijing demands end to US operations in South China Sea

China’s defence ministry has demanded an end to US military operations in the South China Sea, saying they pose a threat to regional security and increase the risks of collisions and even nuclear leaks in the strategic waterway. Ministry spokesman Tan Kefei also repeated China’s demand for an explanation of what happened to a US nuclear attack submarine which collided with a mystery object in the disputed waters earlier this month, describing Washington’s statement – issued six days after the incident – as “short and unclear”.

“This irresponsible and covert approach lacks transparency, and can easily lead to misunderstanding and misjudgment. China and the neighbouring countries in the South China Sea have to question the truth of the incident and the intentions of the United States,” he said on Tuesday.