U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter, right, hugs U.S. Army Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti, commander of the United Nations Command, South Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command and U.S. Forces Korea, left, upon his arrival at Osan U.S. Air Base in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul
China yesterday urged the United States not to take sides on territorial issues, voicing anger against U.S. Defense Secretary Ashton Carter, who said Diaoyu Islands fall under the scope of the Japan-U.S. security treaty.
“U.S.-Japan alliance arrangement originated in the Cold War. We strongly oppose using this arrangement to undermine the interests of third parties,” Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said, quoted by Xinhua..
“The U.S. should be prudent in words and deeds, honoring its commitment to not taking sides on territorial issues,” she said, adding that the U.S. should do more to contribute to regional peace and stability, rather than the opposite.
Reiterating that Diaoyu Island and its affiliated islands are part of China’s inherent territory, Hua said it is a fact that can never be changed and China’s determination to protect national sovereignty and territorial integrity cannot be shaken.
Carter also expressed concern about China in the South China Sea in a written interview with Japan’s Yomiuri newspaper published on Wednesday.
According to Xinhua, Hua called on the U.S. to respect China’s efforts to resolve problems with other claimants through dialogue and negotiation, stop words and actions that might complicate the situation and play a constructive role in regional peace and stability.
Yesterday, Ash Carter said that the latest test-firing of short-range missiles by North Korea is fresh evidence that the Korean Peninsula is a potential flashpoint for conflict.
“It’s a reminder of how dangerous things are on the Korean peninsula and how a highly ready (U.S.) force in support of a very strong ally … is necessary to keep the peace out there,” he said, cited by Associated Press.
Carter made his comments to reporters while visiting Yokota air base, home to U.S. Forces Japan. Afterwards he flew to Osan air base in South Korea, his first visit to the country as defense secretary.
Carter was responding to reports that North Korea launched two missiles Tuesday into the sea off its western coast.
He joked, “If it’s a welcoming message to me I’m flattered. I’ve been on the job six weeks and that’s two missiles; that’s pretty good.” MDT/Agencies
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