Carter calls China ‘out of step’ in islands dispute

WASHINGTON—Defense Secretary Ash Carter said Wednesday that China is “out of step” with international rules by aggressively pursuing land reclamation projects in the South China Sea that he said raise the risk of military conflict in the region.

Carter spoke just days before Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives in the United States for a visit to include talks with President Barack Obama.

The Chinese president will be hosted by Obama at the White House on Sept. 25.

“With its actions in the South China Sea, China is out of step with both the international rules and norms that underscore the Asia-Pacific’s security architecture, and the regional consensus that favors diplomacy and oppos- es coercion,” Carter said.

Carter suggested that China’s approach to disputed reefs and atolls in the South China Sea have wider implications for Beijing’s relations with the US

“Given our concern about China’s growing military capabilities and coercive approach to disputes, we are taking prudent steps to prepare for heightened competition,” he said.

Immediate halt

Speaking at an Air Force conference, Carter called for an immediate halt to land reclamation by all nations with disputed claims in the South China Sea.

He said the US is deeply concerned about the pace of land reclamation and the prospect of further militarization. (AP)