FM: China 'cannot accept' allegations on islands militarization

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (R) shakes hands with visiting United States Secretary of State John Kerry in Beijing Jan 27, 2016.[Photo by Feng Yongbin/chinadaily.com.cn]

Foreign Minister Wang Yi said China "cannot accept the allegations" that China's words are not being matched by actions in the South China Sea as it has promised not to engage in militarization.

Wang made the comments when addressing a joint press conference with visiting United States Secretary of State John Kerry following their prolonged talks starting in the morning.

"China has already committed to not engage in the so-called militarization, and we will honor our commitment. We cannot accept the allegations that China's words are not being matched by actions," Wang said.

The press conference was delayed for around three hours, and Wang said they had a "positive, candid and constructive meeting".

On the islands and reefs stationed by China in the South China Sea, Wang said China has built up quite a few civil facilities that are able to provide public services, and in addition to that, there are some necessary facilities for self-defense.

"But international law has given all sovereign countries the rights of self-protection and self-defense," Wang said.

"If one equate such rights to militarization, then the South China Sea may have been militarized long ago, and China may not be the first party to start the militarization," Wang added.

On the South China Sea issue, Wang said he told Kerry that the South China Sea islands have been Chinese territory, and China has the right to protect its own territorial sovereignty and lawful and legitimate maritime rights and interests.

"At the same time, China is ready to uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea, be committed to managing differences through dialogue and seeking a peaceful settlement of the disputes through negotiations and consultations," Wang said.

It is important that the "two sides manage these sensitive issues in a constructive way so that they (the issues) will not detract from the overall interests of China-US cooperation," Wang said.