Chinese Officials Say They've Shown 'Enormous Restraint' Against U.S. 'Provocations'
Chinese officials announced this week that they have shown "enormous restraint" in dealing with United States' Navy ships that are reportedly traveling close to the Asian country's manmade islands in the South China Sea.
Wu Shengli, commander of the People's Liberation Army Navy, said in a statement this week that the Chinese military is prepared to respond if the U.S. threatens in sovereignty.
"The Chinese navy has closely monitored the provocative actions of the United States and issued several warnings, while exercising enormous restraint in the interests of safeguarding the overall situation in bilateral relations," Shengli said in a statement this week.
"If the United States carries out repeated provocations despite China's opposition, we have the ability to defend our national sovereignty and security," Shengli added.
The Chinese government made similar comments in late October, after it reportedly spotted a U.S. Navy ship traveling close to its highly-controversial man-made islands located in the South China Sea.
The state-run Global Times newspaper said in a statement back in October that China is "[prepared] for the worst" in the face of U.S. aggression.
"In [the] face of the US harassment, Beijing should deal with Washington tactfully and prepare for the worst," the newspaper said in a statement.
"This can convince the White House that China, despite its unwillingness, is not frightened to fight a war with the US in the region, and is determined to safeguard its national interests and dignity," the newspaper added.
The U.S. has previously questioned China's use of its manmade islands, arguing that they are meant to bolster China's military presence in the important trade region.
