South China Sea criticism condemned as SLANDER by Beijing

Remarks by President Trump and other US officials over China’s role in the hotly territorial waters has been dubbed slanderous, Beijing’s foreign ministry said today. Geng Shuang said comments made by the US on Chinese interference in fuel in the waters and other “external forces” were stirring up trouble in the South China Sea. He said: “This is slander against Chinese and Southeast Asian countries’ efforts to uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea and properly manage differences.

“Countries and people in the region will not believe their words.”

He added: “We urge the United States to stop such irresponsible behaviour and respect the efforts of China and ASEAN countries to resolve differences through dialogue and work for peace and stability in the South China Sea.”

His words come after US national security adviser John Bolton voiced concern over reports of Chinese interference with oil and gas activities in the sea, through which £4trillion ($5trillion) of trade passes through each year.

On Saturday, the US State Department said China’s aggression aimed at the offshore oil and gas development of other claimant countries threatened regional energy security.

Mr Bolton also said China’s actions undermined the free and open energy market.

He also said on Twitter Beijing’s actions towards its neighbours threatened regional peace and stability in words echoed by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

The US and China are embroiled in a bitter trade war with Presdient Trump taking aim at the power nation over their militarisation of the South China Sea, which remains contested.

China has repeatedly hit back saying the US is to blame for the militarisation of the waters for sending ships there.

China has recently built artificial military installations and reefs.

The country also claims China’s sovereignty in the area is irrefutable.

Today it emerged a South Korean-flagged ship was attacked by pirates in the South China Sea.

Up to seven pirates attacked crew members before stealing thousands in cash.

source: express.co.uk