Singapore, June 2 (TNS): US Defence Secretary James Mattis while speaking to the security summit has said, China is deploying missiles in the disputed South China Sea to intimidate and coerce its neighbors.
Mr. Mattis told the security summit that Beijing had deployed military hardware including anti-ship missiles, surface-to-air missiles and electronic jammers to locations across the South China Sea.
“Despite China’s claims to the contrary, the placement of these weapon systems is tied directly to military use for the purposes of intimidation and coercion,” Gen Mattis said.
Gen Mattis said the Trump administration wanted a constructive relationship with China but would compete strongly if necessary.
He also said the US recognized that China had a role to play in the region. The South China Sea, a key trade route, is subject to overlapping claims by six countries.
