TOKYO. Japan - The U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander has
warned of a possible arms race in the disputed South China Sea which could
engulf the region, as nations become increasingly tempted to use military force
to settle territorial spats instead of international law.
Commander Admiral Scott Swift urged nations, like China, to
seek arbitration to settle maritime disputes.
"My concern is that after many decades of peace and
prosperity, we may be seeing the leading edge of a return of "might makes
it right" to the region," Swift said on Monday in a speech in Hawaii,
according to a copy seen by Reuters.
"Claimants and non-claimants alike are transferring
larger shares of national wealth to develop more capable naval forces beyond
what is needed merely for self defense," Swift said.
Asked about Swift's comments, Chinese Foreign Ministry
spokesman Hong Lei said: "Certain countries are exaggerating tensions in
the South China Sea region, which is in reality to create confusion and meddle
in the South China Sea".
China is resolutely opposed to this."
China is resolutely opposed to this."
China's Defense Ministry said certain countries were conducting
"a big show of force" in the South China Sea.
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