BEIJING: A senior Chinese military official has said that Beijing will “crush” any foreign incursion into its sovereign territory including in the South China Sea. The official expressed these remarks on the sidelines of a defense forum.
Chinese army Lieutenant General He Lei told a group of journalists that they hoped that the South China Sea would remain a sea of peace. The military official maintained that if the US moves its pawns behind the scenes, Chinese will resolutely crush any foreign encroachment.
On the other hand, the Chinese foreign ministry said that China’s vice foreign minister and his Philippine counterpart have had a “frank and in-depth” talks on sea-related matters, in particular the issue of the disputed Sabina Shoal.
During their talks, China reiterated its demand for the immediate withdrawal of a Philippine ships and pledged to “firmly uphold its sovereignty”, the statement said. Both nations agreed to continue their talks through diplomatic means.
Reuters reported that Sabina Shoal, is in disputed waters of the South China Sea near the Spratly Islands, which Beijing calls the Nansha Islands.
