16 April 2016

News Story: China says U.S.- Philippine joint patrols in South China Sea triggered tension

BEIJING, April 15 (Xinhua) -- China on Friday slammed the United States and the Philippines for conducting joint patrols in the South China Sea, saying the move produced tensions and undermined peace and stability in the region.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang made the remarks at a routine press briefing in response to reports that U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter on Thursday revealed that the United States and the Philippines had started joint sea and air patrols in the South China Sea in March.

"This move by the United States and the Philippines has poisoned relations between countries in the region, aggravated regional disputes, triggered tensions and undermined peace and stability in the South China Sea," Lu said.

Read the full story at Xinhua