US Secretary of State John Kerry yesterday accused China of restricting navigation and overflights in the disputed South China Sea.
Addressing a regional meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Kerry said China’s construction of facilities for “military purposes” on man-made islands was raising tensions and risked “militarisation” by other claimant states.
“Freedom of navigation and overflight are among the essential pillars of international maritime law,” Kerry told the East Asia Summit.
“Despite assurances that these freedoms would be respected, we have seen warnings issued and restrictions attempted in recent months,” Kerry said.
“Let me be clear: The United States will not accept restrictions on freedom of navigation and overflight, or other lawful uses of the sea.”
There was no immediate reaction from Chinese officials to Kerry’s criticism, some of his strongest yet over the issue.
