BEIJING – China on Friday refuted criticism by top US Navy Generallink>thatit has become a “disruptive transitional force” in the Indo-Pacific regionand asserted that America should not “speak for other countries”.
Commander of the US Pacific Command Admiral Harry Harris, during a paneldiscussion at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi with Indian Navy chiefAdmiral Sunil Lanba, said: “China is a disruptive transitional force in theIndo-Pacific. They are the owners of trust deficit”.
Harris asked how defensive would Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines bewhen China has staked claims on the waters also claimed by the Associationof Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) nations, comprising the former threecountries, in an apparent reference to maritime disputes in theresource-rich South China Sea (SCS).
China claims almost all of the SCS. Its claims are contested by thePhilippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan.
Harris also spoke of the sense of disquiet among Vietnam, Malaysia and thePhilippines in view of the SCS dispute.
He participated in the discussion with Japan’s Admiral Katsutoshi Kawanoand Australian Navy chief Vice-Admiral Tim Barrett.
Replying to a question on their comments on China’s assertiveness, Chineseforeign ministry spokesman Lu Kang told reporters that this is not thefirst time the three have made such comments about China.
Harris has named three ASEAN countries, saying they worried about China’sdevelopment, he said.
“We did not hear from these countries that they feel worried about China’sdevelopment. They (the US) should not speak for other countries,” Lu said.
Referring to China’s multi-billion dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) toimprove the connectivity, Lu said: “if some people feel worried about suchkind of efforts, the efforts are a destructive force and we can ask thosepeople what make them feel worried?”.
China is playing more positive role in the international affairs withinitiatives like BRI for public good, he said.
About Kawano’s remarks, Lu said Japan should follow up on its promise toimprove relations with China.
“China and Japan maintain communication on the East China issue. We hopethey can match their words with deeds,” Lu added, referring to thebilateral dispute over the islands.