U.S. Defense Secretary: China's Island-Building Erodes Security

Reuters: U.S. says China's island-building erodes security; Beijing angered

U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter said on Saturday that China's island-building in the South China Sea was undermining security in the Asia-Pacific, drawing a scathing response from the foreign ministry in Beijing.

Carter, speaking to top defense officials from the Asia-Pacific at the annual Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, acknowledged that several countries had created outposts in the region's disputed islands, but he said the scope of China's activity created uncertainty about its future plans.

"China has reclaimed over 2,000 acres, more than all other claimants combined ... and China did so in only the last 18 months," Carter told the Shangri-La Dialogue security forum. "It is unclear how much farther China will go."

WNU Editor: The Chinese are not impressed with "U.S. concerns" .... China Says Carter’s Sea Comments ‘Foment Dissension’ (Bloomberg). China's neighbors have a different point of view .... Vietnam says reports of China artillery on reclaimed land 'bad sign' (Reuters).

More News On The Growing Dispute Over The South China Sea

Defense Chiefs Clash Over South China Sea -- WSJ
Defense Secretary Ashton Carter warns China on South China Sea island-building -- L.A. Times
US issues strong warning to China over 'land-grab' island in South China Sea -- The Independent
U.S. defense chief to China: End South China Sea expansion -- CNN
Carter vows U.S. will continue, even step up operations over disputed South China Sea island -- FOX News