South China Sea: Beijing FIRES back after US warns ‘we WON’T tip toe’ around behaviour

 

CHINA has fired back at the US after President Donald Trump’s defence secretary warned Washington would no longer “tip toe” around Beijing’s behaviour in the South China Sea.

Patrick Shanahan used his speech at the Shangri-La defence forum in Singapore to condemn “actors” who seek to destabilise the region, but stopped short of naming China. In response to his fiery words, a Chinese official hit back, claiming it was the Americans who were harming the tentative peace in the troubled waters. Shao Yuanming, a senior official of the People’s Liberation Army, told reporters: “He has been expressing inaccurate views and repeating old tunes about the issues of Taiwan and the South China Sea.

“This is harming regional peace and stability.”

His harsh words come as tensions between the world’s two biggest economies escalate amid a fierce trade war.

In May, the Chinese were angered when a US warship sailed close to the disputed Scarborough Shoal, claimed by both China and the Philippines.

Mr Yuanming also touched on the topic of Taiwan, which China has described as the most sensitive issue between Beijing and Washington.

https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1134971/south-china-sea-china-usa-trade-war-latest-donald-trump-news