China, US must manage risk of conflict in South China Sea constructively, says Beijing
China not to blame for escalating tensions in the region, says high-ranking PLA officer
A senior Chinese PLA official has told an American military chief that Beijing and Washington should manage the risk of conflict in the South China Sea constructively – and that China was not to blame for escalating tensions in the region.
Analysts said the remarks were in sharp contrast to the strong rhetoric from Chinese diplomats, suggesting Beijing may want to prevent tensions from escalating, even though it would not compromise on sovereignty principles.
Former Chinese diplomat blames US meddling as key to growing tensions over South China Sea disputes
The comments from Fang Fenghui, chief of the PLA’s Joint Staff Department, were made on Thursday during a conversation via a video link with Joseph Dunford, the chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, the state-run news agency Xinhua reported.
The two nations’ navies should refrain from actions that might harm relations and their militaries should also improve communication and cooperation to manage risks constructively, Fang said.
Dunford said the US was willing to work with Beijing in increasing communication over the issue, Xinhua reported.