China has accused the United States of trying to "create chaos" in the Asia-Pacific, a day after US National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien, on a visit to the Philippines, backed countries in maritime disputes with China and accused Beijing of using military pressure to further its own interests.
During his trip to Manila, O'Brien told the Philippines and Vietnam, both countries in disputes with Beijing cover the South China Sea: "We've got your back". He also reiterated the US commitment to self-ruled Taiwan.
China said his remarks were "unreasonable" and exaggerated regional tensions.
"We firmly oppose these remarks which are full of Cold War mentality and wantonly incite confrontation," the Chinese Embassy in Manila said in a statement posted on its website. "It shows that his visit to this region is not to promote regional peace and stability, but to create chaos in the region in order to seek selfish interests of the US."
China also hit out at O'Brien's comments on Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own. O'Brien warned China it would face a "backlash" if it attempted to use military force to coerce the island.
President-elect Joe Biden is expected to take a more diplomatic approach to China, but a more assertive approach to Beijing has broad bipartisan support in Washington, DC.
China accuses ‘dangerous’ US of ‘creating chaos’ in Asia
Embassy in Manila condemns US after visiting White House envoy pledges support to the Philippines over maritime claims.
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