US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis (Photo: VNA) Singapore (VNA) – China’s increasing military presence in the East Seavia the placement of advanced weapon systems in the waters aims to intimidateand coerce its neighbours, US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis said.
Speaking at the annual Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on June 2, Mattisstated that China has deployed anti-ship missiles, surface-to-air missiles, andelectronic jammers across the East Sea.
China’s action is tied directly to military use for the purposes of“intimidation and coercion”, which goes contrary to Beijing’s earlier claims.
Mattis called out President Xi Jinping for reneging on a 2015 promise made atthe White House that Beijing would not militarise the island features in theEast Sea.
The US supports the settlement of disputes via peaceful measures and in linewith international regulations and principles, as well as freedom and equalityof trade and investment.
Earlier on May 29, Mattis said that the American nation will continue itspresence in the East Sea as part of the efforts to ensure security, safety andfreedom of navigation in the region.
The US is working to prevent China’s militarisation of man-made islands illegallybuilt in the East Sea.-VNA
VNA
