BEIJING (AP) — China’s Defense Ministry on Thursday accused the U.S. of militarizing the South China Sea as Beijing makes increasingly bold moves to assert its claim to virtually all of the sea’s waters, islands and reefs.
Spokesman Yang Yujun’s remarks were prompted by comments last week from the head of the U.S. Pacific Command, Adm. Harry Harris, criticizing Chinese projects to build up islands in disputed waters.
Harris warned such work could undermine international norms that have long supported the global economy and political order.
Speaking at a monthly news conference, Yang said China rejected such claims totally and accused the U.