Wu Shengli, the commander of China's navy has called on the U.S. to stop its "provocations" in the South China Sea.

"The U.S. conduct does not contribute to peace and stability in the South China Sea whatsoever," Wu said, "The U.S. cannot impose its own claims on other nations. It cannot sabotage other nations' sovereignty and security."

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In a meeting in Beijing with Admiral Scott Swift, commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, he said that the Chinese navy has displayed "maximum restraint" while U.S. naval ships conducted maneuvers recently in the South China Sea. Wu told Scott that China was "bearing the bigger picture of bilateral ties in mind" in its show of restraint.

He said it was a provocation for the U.S. to conduct maneuvers in the waters near newly formed Chinese islands and reefs without the permission of the Chinese government. As a result, the Chinese navy has been closely monitoring the "provocative acts" and had issued warnings to the U.S. on several occasions, Wu said.

Wu also implored the U.S. to cherish the "good development" of ties between China and America, and that the U.S. should "control" its maritime military operations.

The U.S. has publicly objected to China's creation of manmade islands and naval bases in the South China Sea, and has refuted China's claim of sovereignty in the waters around the new islands. The U.S. has said will continue to exercise its right to sail in what it considers international waters.

Wu defended China's island building as "sensible, reasonable and legitimate."

At the same time, however, Wu applauded Admiral Swift's trip to China as a sign that both sides value developing and maintaining military relations between the two countries. He said that the visit will contribute positively increased cooperation between the two navies, and to the alleviate tensions in the South China Sea.

TagsChina’s Navy Commander Demands U.S. Stop South China Sea Provocations, Wu Shengli, commander of China's navy, island building, south china sea conflict, Admiral Scott Swift, commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet