China to continue South China Sea construction

The minister, who is attending the Asean conference of south-east Asian countries in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, said that Beijing has no intention of militarising the strategically vital area.

Liu said the move went beyond the “freedom of navigation”, the report relays. Answering a question about “militarisation” of the SCS, Hong said China hopes all countries in and outside the South China Sea will make concerted efforts to avoid militarising the region.

Earlier this month, US B-52 bombers flew near some of the artificial islands, signalling Washington’s determination to challenge Beijing’s claim. To send its message, Washington recently sent the guided missile destroyer USS Lassen to sail through waters within 12 nautical miles of Subi Reef, originally a feature that was submerged at high tide but has been reclaimed into a bigger island.

In addition, the Chinese official accused the US was testing its military power in the artificial islands by sending warships through the region. Over 100,000 ships from countries around the world sailing safely and freely through the South China Sea annually.

Mr Liu said that, out of 1,000 islands, reefs and atolls in the vast sea, China has occupied only seven small islands and reefs in waters under its jurisdiction.

The leaders of 10 Southeast Asian nations have formally created the ASEAN Economic Community at a summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

An worldwide tribunal on Tuesday began hearing a case brought by the Philippines over disputed islands in the South China Sea, in an increasingly bitter row with China.

Aside from the South China Sea issue, the 18 East Asian leaders also discussed terrorism and migration in the Middle East, Liu said.

Liu said Beijing’s reclamation efforts in the sea ended in June, but construction of facilities is continuing.

After the Japanese occupation of islands during World War II, China claimed sovereignty of the area known as the “nine-dash lane” which stretches south and east of mainland China and covers hundreds of disputed islands and reefs.

Stressing that China firmly pursues a defense policy that is defensive in nature, Hong said China opposes any country launching military operations that undermine regional safety, stability and mutual trust. The other claimants in Southeast Asia are Malaysia, Vietnam and Brunei.

“Many leaders spoke about the need to uphold worldwide principles, including the freedom of navigation, and overflight and the peaceful resolution of disputes”, Obama said.

“We are hopeful that China would honour its word and respect the rule of law”, Aquino said.