China warns United States over South China Sea deployment

China issued a warning to the United States on Thursday in response to the deployment of the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson to the South China Sea.


Beijing's new defense ministry spokesman Ren Guoqiang told reporters at a regular press briefing the United States should respect the sovereignty and security of China, a reference to the aircraft carrier deployment that began last week.

Ren also said China will respect freedom of navigation and flight in the South China Sea, rights that are protected under international law, Yonhap news agency reported.

The ministry spokesman also said the situation in the South China Sea is generally stable and that Beijing hopes the United States would contribute to the status quo.
  [upi.com]
23/2/17
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