Foreign and Military Affairs

China rejects US Senate criticism over sea dispute

(Agencies)
Updated: 2011-06-28 19:06

BEIJING - A US Senate resolution critical of Beijing's actions in the South China Sea "doesn't hold water" and its sponsors should promote peace in other ways, China said Tuesday.

Disputes over the South China Sea should be resolved peacefully through talks between "directly concerned parties," Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei told reporters, a reference to what Beijing considers to be meddling by Washington.

The resolution adopted Monday by the US Senate deplored China's "use of force" in recent incidents between Chinese vessels and those of other claimants in the potentially resource-rich waters.

"The relevant resolution adopted by the US Senate doesn't hold water," Hong said. "We hope the relevant senators can do more to promote peace and stability of the region."

Democratic Sen. Jim Webb led a bipartisan group of four senators who introduced the resolution. Webb said Southeast Asian countries were worried about China's "pattern of intimidation," and that the US had a strategic interest in facilitating multilateral negotiations.

Hong added that China wants disputes to be handled through "friendly consultations" between the parties directly concerned.

"Others without a direct stake should respect the efforts made by those directly concerned to resolve South China Sea disputes through dialogue and in a peaceful manner," he said.