U.S. should stop stirring up troubles in South China Sea: Defense Spokesperson

In response to a media query regarding U.S. Secretary of Defense's erroneous accusation of China's activities in the South China Sea as "coercive" at the recent ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting Plus, Wu Qian, a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, said that Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun refuted the groundless accusations on the spot.　

Wu quoted Dong as saying that the U.S. side prods with and connives at a regional country to make provocations in the South China Sea for its selfish gains, which severely undermines regional peace and stability.　

The root causes behind the acts lie in its entrenched Cold War mentality and hegemonic thoughts, Wu said.　

The Chinese side stays committed to handling disputes through friendly consultation, Wu said, urging the U.S. side to stop fabricating lies, making provocations and stirring up troubles, and refrain from going further down the wrong path.