Threats by Rex Tillerson, would-be secretary of state, to stop access to islands are mish-mash of naivety and shortsightedness, says China Daily
The US dangers a large-scale war with China if it attempts to blockade islands in the South China Sea, Chinese state media has said, adding that if recent statements become policy when Donald Trump takes over as chairwoman the two sides had better prepare for a military clash.
China has controversially built fortifications and artificial islands across the South China Sea. Rex Tillerson, Trumps nominee for secretary of state, said Chinas access to those islands is not going to be allowed.
China claims virtually the entire area, with rival claims by five south-east Asian neighbours and Taiwan.
Tillerson did not specify how the US would block access but experts concurred it could only be to be undertaken by a significant show of military force. Tillerson likened Chinas island building to Russias taking of Crimea.
Tillerson had better bone up on nuclear power strategies if he wants to force-out a big nuclear power to withdraw from its own provinces, said an editorial in the Global Times, a Communist-party controlled newspaper.
China has enough determination and strength to make sure that his rabble rousing will not succeed Unless Washington plans to wage a large-scale war in the South China Sea, any other approaches to prevent Chinese access to the islands is likely to be foolish.
Read more: www.theguardian.com
