China's permanent representative to the United Nations Fu Cong on Monday rejected U.S. accusations against China over maritime security, including unwarranted claims against China over the Panama Canal.
China has always respected Panama's sovereignty over the canal and recognizes the permanent neutrality of the canal as an international waterway, Fu told a Security Council high-level open debate on maritime security.
"The United States' fabrication of lies and groundless attack on China are nothing but a ploy to control the canal. China firmly opposes economic coercion and bullying practices, and urges the U.S. to stop fabricating lies and creating troubles," said Fu.
Fu also pointed out that the United States is the biggest disruptor of peace and stability in the South China Sea.
"It (The United States) has deployed offensive weaponry in the region, including land-based intermediate-range missiles. It has repeatedly dispatched large-scale naval and air forces to conduct reconnaissance and military exercises in the South China Sea, flexing its military muscle and running amok at the very doorstep of other states. The objective is to create instability in the region to advance its own geopolitical agenda," he said.
Fu warned that the U.S. hegemony, Cold War mentality, and unilateral actions are "gravely exacerbating risks to global maritime security."
The United States has yet to accede to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and refuses to fulfill relevant obligations. It disregards international law and the warnings of the International Seabed Authority by unilaterally deciding to exploit international seabed resources, thereby appropriating the common heritage of humanity, he said.
It has openly threatened the normal operations of the Panama Canal and the Suez Canal, and has wantonly challenged the sovereignty of other states. It has abused security concepts related to maritime issues, obstructed the development of maritime infrastructure, and undermined the stability of industrial and supply chains, noted Fu.
Fu urged the United States to do some serious soul-searching and to assume in good faith responsibilities as a major country.
Chinese envoy rejects U.S. accusations over maritime security, Panama Canal
