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| Fiery Cross Reef (Sep 2015) |
China risks creating a "Great Wall of self-isolation" through its continued military expansion in the South China Sea and its hacks on US companies, Pentagon chief Ashton Carter said Friday.
Carter's remarks came ahead of his trip next week to an Asian security summit in Singapore, where China's actions in the contested waterway will likely dominate discussions.
"China's actions could erect a Great Wall of self-isolation," Carter told graduating officers at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.
"Countries across the region -- allies, partners, and the unaligned -- are voicing concerns publicly and privately at the highest levels."
China has in recent years dredged reefs, islets and other maritime features and built these up into larger islands capable of sustaining a military presence.
Read the full story at SpaceDaily