US warns of ‘action’ if China builds wall of self-isolation

Singapore: Chinese construction on a south-China sea islet claimed by Philippines would prompt ‘actions’ against the country by the United States (US) and other nations, US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter warned on Saturday last.

“Beijing plans to build a ‘wall of self-isolation’ in the contested waters with its military expansion. I hope this development does not occur as it will prompt actions being taken both by the United States as well as by other regions, which will have the effect of not only increasing tensions but isolating China,” said Carter while speaking at the 15th International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Shangril-la Dialogue security summit in Singapore.

Highlights:

• Head of the Chinese office of international military cooperation Rear Adm. Guan Youfei quickly hit back at Carter, telling journalists he reflected a ‘Cold War mentality’.
• The Defence Secretary declined to elaborate when later pressed on what “actions” Washington might take.