The back and forth between the US and China continues, as US defense secretary Ash Carter said today at the 15th Asia Security Summit in Singapore that China risks isolating itself with its actions in the South China Sea.
"The United States welcomes the emergence of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous China that plays a responsible role in the principled security network. We know China's inclusion makes for a stronger network, and a more stable, secure, and prosperous region. Unfortunately there's growing anxiety in this region, and in this room, about China's activities on the seas, in cyberspace, and in the regions air space. Indeed in the South China Sea, China has taken some expansive and unprecedented actions that have generated concerns about China's strategic intentions. Countries across the region have been taking action and voicing concerns, publicly and privately at the highest levels of regional meetings. As a result China's actions in the South China Sea are isolating it, at a time when the entire region is coming together and networking. Unfortunately if these actions continue, China could end up erecting a Great Wall of self-isolation"
Although Carter said the US would welcome China's participation in a "principled security network" for Asia, the defense secretary went on to say very directly that China might as well play ball, because the US is going to continue to trot out warships and spy planes as it plays top cop in the region.
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