VS against 'militarization' South China Sea

singapore - The United States does not accept China to place weapon systems on artificial islands in the South China Sea. US Secretary of State Jim Mattis (Defense) warned Saturday that Washington continues to resist the 'militarization' of the islands.

The Chinese activities in the South China Sea are very sensitive. Beijing claims to the annoyance of other countries in the region a large part of the sea, and was last year struck by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague. China then knew that decision was next to it.

Mattis said Saturday that the US is against 'imposing excessive maritime claims'. He said that Washington can not and will accept that countries unilaterally change the status quo under compulsion.

The turmoil surrounding Chinese maritime activities places Washington in a difficult position. The US does, however, need help from Beijing when pushing North Korea. That country regularly carries out rocket testing and seems to be reluctant to attract sanctions.

Mattis said that the North Koreans had made more vigilance behind the development of nuclear weapons. He called it 'encouraging' that Beijing has shown itself willing to work with the international community on 'denuclearization.'

The minister expressed the expectation that the Chinese will finally realize that North Korea is not a reliable ally. He added that the US will work with countries in the region to boost diplomatic and economic pressure on Pyongyang.