China remains intact in its intent to protect maritime territory in the South China Sea. (Photo : Reuters)
China's vice chairman of the Central Military Commission Fan Changlong told Admiral Harry Harris that the United States should stop its "wrongdoings and dangerous moves" in the South China Sea.
The commander of the United States Pacific Command received the statement of the Chinese official during his visit to the country. Fan advised him to halt their naval threat to avoid "misunderstanding, misjudgment and unpredictable incidents."
In Fan's opening remarks in the People's Liberation Army's main office on Tuesday, he told the U.S. Admiral: "Greater power comes with greater responsibility."
Meanwhile, Harris emphasized that he wishes to "strengthen the cooperation and communication" between the U.S. and Chinese militaries. He also hopes to carry on the "continuous development" of the two nations' military ties.
Harris also said that amid differences, the dialogues and talks between the two economic giants are "positive and effective."
Earlier in May, Harris made his first China trip as the commander of the U.S. Pacific Command. His visit comes despite tensions in territorial disputes.
Nonetheless, Fan told Harris that the recent move of the U.S. to send the guided-missile destroyer Lassen close to the Zhubi Reef in the South China Sea's Nansha Islands caused China to be "strongly dissatisfied."
Fan cited the situation as a threat to the country's territorial sovereignty and islands security, adding that it brought "new unstable factors" to the area's safety.
The Chinese official also urged the U.S. to "cautiously deal with" such vital issues in order to maintain a "healthy and stable" military relations.
Meanwhile, Fang Fengui, chief of the PLA's general staff, said: "We remain resolute in our determination and will to safeguard our sovereignty and maritime rights."
