"China strongly urges the US side to conscientiously handle China's serious representations, immediately correct its mistake and not take any dangerous or provocative actions that threaten China's sovereignty and security interests," the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
At a press conference in Tokyo, Chief Cabinet Secretary Ёsihide Suga said that the Japanese government is working closely with the US administration. At the same time the official said that the construction of artificial islands is of concern to the international community.
Philippines President Benigno Aquino approved the actions of the US administration. “We should welcome the preservation of the balance of forces,” he said.
Director of the Center for South Pacific Studies of the Chinese Academy of International Studies Shen Shishun spoke to Sputnik about the US motive in an exclusive interview.
“The US uses the issue of ensuring the freedom of navigation only as a pretext for patrolling. In this area at sea and in the air space there is no obstacle for navigation, hence there are no problems. The United States could not confirm with examples how the freedom of navigation is being violated. They act only to instigate the situation, the real purpose is to display military superiority and add forces to Japan and the Philippines,” Shishun said.
The expert urged the US side to ensure that it plays a constructive role in the region. In the meantime, he said, the United States seeks “to maintain its power in the Asia-Pacific region, especially in the area of Southeast Asia.”
