Top Chinese General Defends Beijing's South China Sea Policy

Reuters: Chinese general says will never recklessly resort to force in South China Sea

China will never "recklessly" resort to the use of force in the South China Sea, a senior Chinese general said on Saturday, amid tensions over Beijing's building of islands in the disputed waters.

China's relations with several Southeast Asian countries, especially the Philippines and Vietnam who have competing claims in the South China Sea, have been strained over Beijing's increasingly assertive tone on territorial claims in an area through which $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes annually.

Beijing's move last year to step up the creation of artificial islands, which it says are mostly for civilian purposes, has drawn strong criticism from Washington.

WNU Editor: The problem with General Fan Changlong's claim that the artificial islands in the South China Sea are for civilian use is that everyone in the region are seeing the Chinese military assets being placed on the island .... and if these countries approached these islands too closely .... are warned to back-off or else. Official Chinese media are also giving threat warnings .... Chinese media warn against US South China Sea move (AFP).

More News On Top Chinese General Defending Beijing's South China Sea Policy

Chinese general dismisses concerns about island construction in South China Sea -- AP
South China Sea islands are only for civilian use, says Chinese general -- The Guardian/AFP
China Will Not ‘Recklessly’ Use Force In South China Sea, Wants To Avoid ‘Unexpected Conflicts’ -- IBTimes
China Won’t Use Military Power ‘Recklessly,’ Says General -- WSJ
Top Chinese general defends developments in South China Sea -- FOX News
Now we know China's 'bottom line' -- Linette Lopez, Business Insider

Update: With US Warships En Route To Islands, China Asks: "What On Earth Makes Them Think We Will Tolerate This?" -- Zero Hedge