China rejects US criticism over military strength

[Coventina]

Source: Associated Press

BEIJING (AP) — China blamed the United States on Wednesday for the latest naval confrontation between the countries, after rejecting criticism by Washington that Beijing's rising military strength is focused on countering U.S power.

A U.S. Navy ship "violated" international and Chinese laws by entering what China considers its "exclusive economic zone" without authorization, Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu said.

"It entered China's Exclusive Economic Zone in the Yellow Sea without permission from the Chinese side. China is concerned about it, and asked U.S to take effective measures to prevent a similar case from happening again," he said in a statement.

The Pentagon said the latest encounter occurred Friday in international waters when two Chinese fishing vessels came dangerously close — to within 30 yards (27 meters) — of the USNS Victorious as it was operating in the Yellow Sea.



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