China reprimands US official over SCS patrol proposal

China today criticised a top US naval commander for suggesting that Southeast Asian nations should jointly build a maritime force to patrol the disputed South China Sea, saying it will "by no means" help solve the issue.
"We hope the United States will strictly honour its commitment of not taking positions or sides on territorial sovereignty issues," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei in response to the reported remarks by Robert Thomas, commander of the US Navy's Seventh Fleet.
In his comments, Thomas had also said his fleet would provide support in patrolling.
Hong said Thomas' remarks "will by no means help resolve the South China Sea disputes properly or contribute to peace and stability in the South China Sea (SCS)".

China claims almost all of the SCS which is contested by Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei and Taiwan.
He said that it is China's long-standing commitment to resolve the disputes in the SCS through negotiations and consultations with the countries directly concerned.
According to Hong, China and the ASEAN have proposed a joint initiative in which they will safeguard peace and stability in the SCS independently of other nations.
He urged the US side not to make irresponsible remarks any longer and instead do more that is conducive to boosting mutual trust and regional peace and stability.