American military commander says US should challenge China’s claims in South China Sea; Beijing expresses concern
Foreign ministry 'extremely concerned' after commander of America's Pacific forces says South China Sea claims should be challenged
The commander of US forces in the Pacific said ahead of a visit by President Xi Jinping to Washington that America should challenge China’s claim to territory in the South China Sea by patrolling close to artificial islands built by Beijing.
Admiral Harry Harris told a Senate hearing on Thursday that China’s building of three airfields on the islands and their further militarisation was of great concern militarily and posed a threat to all countries in the region.
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Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said China was "extremely concerned" about the comments and China opposed "any country challenging China’s sovereignty and security in the name of protecting freedom of navigation".
"We demand that the relevant country speak and act cautiously, earnestly respect China’s sovereignty and security interests, and not take any risky or provocative acts," Hong said at a daily news briefing on Friday.
Harris, when pressed by members the Senate Armed Services Committee on whether US forces should challenge China by sailing within 12 nautical miles of the islands, replied: “I believe that we should exercise - be allowed to exercise, freedom of navigation and flight - maritime and flight - in the South China Sea against those islands that are not islands.”
Asked if this meant going within 12 miles, he answered, referring to the artificial islands: "Depending on the feature. Conducting that kind of ... freedom-of-navigation operation is one of the operations we’re considering."
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