Chinese Admiral warns US Minor incident ‘could spark war’ in South China Sea as US Warship enters di
China’s top naval officer warned his US counterpart that Washington’s “provocative acts” in the South China Sea could spark war, as the powerful maritime rivals held talks two days after a US destroyer sailed near man-made islands built by Beijing in the disputed waters.
Admiral Wu Shengli, China’s naval commander, spoke to US chief of naval operations Admiral John Richardson during a video teleconference on Thursday, arranged after tensions escalated following the US vessel sailing past the contested Spratly Islands.
“If the United States continues with these kinds of dangerous, provocative acts, there could well be a severe and urgent situation between frontline forces from both sides on the sea and in the air, or even a minor incident that sparks war,” Adm Wu said, according to a report from state news agency Xinhua which indirectly quoted him.
“I hope the US cherish the good situation between the Chinese navy and US navy which has not come easily, and avoids similar cases happening again.”
China’s defence ministry said ahead of the teleconference that it would consider all available options in protecting its “national sovereignty and security”.
“We will take all measures necessary based on our needs to cope with any security threats,” said Yang Yujun, the ministry’s spokesman.
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