Xi stresses Beijing sea claims, but won’t ‘bully’ neighbours

Xi stresses Beijing sea claims, but won’t ‘bully’ neighbours

FPJ BureauUpdated: Friday, May 31, 2019, 09:04 PM IST
article-image

Singapore : Chinese President Xi Jinping repeated his country’s uncompromising claims to the South China Sea but pledged that it would not “bully” its weaker neighbours. The comments by Xi were in line with China’s oft-stated position but come as Beijing’s assertiveness in the strategic waterway has raised concerns of potential future conflict.

“Let me make this clear: The South China Sea islands have been China’s territory since ancient times,” Xi said in a speech during a visit to Singapore.

“It is the bounded duty of the Chinese government to uphold China’s territorial sovereignty and legitimate maritime right and interests.” China has long laid verbal claim to virtually the entire South China Sea, but in recent years has moved to back that up. It is now using land reclamation to expand previously insignificant sea features into full-fledged islands and further underpin its claims. China’s neighbours have said the actions violate a regional code among the rival claimants against taking actions that upset the status quo.

Xi said some “Chinese” islands are currently being “occupied” by other countries, but vowed that China’s intentions were peaceful.

RECENT STORIES

Canada: Rude Customer Abuses Indian-Origin Pizza Delivery Man In Toronto; Video Sparks Outrage

Canada: Rude Customer Abuses Indian-Origin Pizza Delivery Man In Toronto; Video Sparks Outrage

Paris Viral Video: High Voltage Drama At Charles de Gaulle Airport As Migrants Protest Against...

Paris Viral Video: High Voltage Drama At Charles de Gaulle Airport As Migrants Protest Against...

Pakistan Horror: Man Strangulates Sister To Death In Family's Presence; Shocking Crime...

Pakistan Horror: Man Strangulates Sister To Death In Family's Presence; Shocking Crime...

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: Racist Posts Target Indian Crew On Social Media Following Collision

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: Racist Posts Target Indian Crew On Social Media Following Collision

'Undoubtedly Saved Lives': US Prez Joe Biden Lauds Quick Action By Indian Crew Members In Baltimore...

'Undoubtedly Saved Lives': US Prez Joe Biden Lauds Quick Action By Indian Crew Members In Baltimore...