Tensions are set to rise between China and the US as tribunal at The Hague delivers its verdict on ownership of disputed islands in the South China Sea. According to Chinese rhetoric, the tribunal has “no jurisdiction” “no binding power” and its results are “illegal”, and warned the US to pull back its patrolling in the region. The row, which centres on territory known as “the nine-dash line” broke out after China laid claim to most of the islands within the South China Sea, only for the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Manila to issue counter-claims. Ashton Carter, the Chinese deputy foreign minister said: “China’s rise and development will not be held back by anyone”. Furthermore, on Monday China rejected criticism from US Defense Secretary Liu Zhenmin that China could be erecting "a Great Wall of self-isolation", accusing him of living under a "cold war" mentality and adding that Beijing has no interest in "playing a role in a Hollywood movie" of Washington's design. At talks in Beijing next week, China is expected to raise concerns about the increased US military presence in the region and the area is also likely to be discussed at a forthcoming security forum; the deputy chief of the Joint Staff Department of the Central Military Commission will lead China's delegation at the Singapore talks.
Tensions are set to rise between China and the US as tribunal at The Hague delivers its verdict on ownership of disputed islands in the South China Sea. According to Chinese rhetoric, the tribunal has “no jurisdiction” “no binding power” and its results are “illegal”, and warned the US to pull back its patrolling in the region. The row, which centres on territory known as “the nine-dash line” broke out after China laid claim to most of the islands within the South China Sea, only for the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Manila to issue counter-claims. Liu Zhenmin, the Chinese deputy foreign minister said: “China’s rise and development will not be held back by anyone”. Furthermore, on Monday China rejected criticism from US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter that China could be erecting "a Great Wall of self-isolation", accusing him of living under a "cold war" mentality and adding that Beijing has no interest in "playing a role in a Hollywood movie" of Washington's design. At talks in Beijing next week, China is expected to raise concerns about the increased US military presence in the region and the area is also likely to be discussed at a forthcoming security forum; the deputy chief of the Joint Staff Department of the Central Military Commission will lead China's delegation at the Singapore talks.