News World US,China defence chiefs wrangle publicly over Japan

US,China defence chiefs wrangle publicly over Japan

Beijing: The defence chiefs of China and US today traded barbs publicly, with China questioning Secretary Chuck Hagel's support for Japan and warning that it will not allow an “iota of violation” of its territory.



Chang said “complete responsibility of all problem lies with Japan and we hope US stay vigilant against actions of Japan and not tolerate bad evil that could bring disaster to all”.

On the South China Sea, he rebuffed US mediation saying “China ready to settle disputes with countries directly involved”.

Chang criticised the Philippines for its illegal occupation of some islands and reefs in the South China Sea, saying it is a miscalculation to propose international arbitration on the South China Sea issue under the guise of international law, as the Philippines has done.  

China has repeatedly made clear its stance of neither accepting nor participating in such international arbitration, he said.

State television CCTV report said that in veiled warning, Chang said PLA can win the war if China is threatened.  

The US criticised Beijing's recent declaration of an air defence zone over a large swath of the East China Sea, including disputed islands controlled by Japan.  

“Every nation has a right to establish an air defence zone, but not a right to do it unilaterally with no collaboration, no consultation. That adds to tensions, misunderstandings, and could eventually add to, and eventually get to, dangerous conflict,” said Hagel.

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