By Audrey Morallo
MANILA, Philippines — The Chinese premier defended on Friday the presence of his country’s military equipment on several artificial islands in the West Philippine Sea, saying this was needed to defend trade interests in the region.
Li Keqiang, the premier of China, was quoted by the US newspaper The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) as saying that the military equipment on artificial islands Beijing created in the region was meant to protect its trade and economic interests.
Li’s expansive defense of Beijing’s military deployments in the West Philippine Sea was rare, especially for a top Chinese leader. The Chinese premier is in Australia to enhance trade and economic ties between the two countries which have become more important in recent months as the US, Canberra’s traditional ally, adopts a more isolationist outlook.
“China’s facilities on Chinese islands and reefs are primarily for civilian purposes,” he was quoted by WSJ as saying in a press conference with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull at the Australian parliament.
Li said China’s defense equipment and facilities in the area were meant to maintain the freedom of navigation and overflight in the West Philippine Sea, adding that without these China would be the hardest hit.
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