China Rebuts US Sanctions on South China Sea, Calling Them "Unrelated to Militarization... Interference in Internal Affairs"

[Asia Economy Reporter Joselgina] China strongly opposed the United States' announcement to sanction 24 Chinese companies and individuals related to the militarization of military bases in the South China Sea dispute area, calling it a serious act of interference in internal affairs.

Zhao Lijian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated at a regular briefing on the 27th, "Construction activities within Chinese territory are entirely within the scope of sovereignty," and "this is unrelated to militarization."

Spokesperson Zhao emphasized, "It is reasonable and legal for Chinese companies and individuals to participate in their country's construction activities, and there is no reason to criticize them," adding, "The U.S. sanctions are a reckless interference in China's internal affairs and violate international law and the norms of international relations."

He continued, "We hope (the U.S.) will immediately stop interfering in internal affairs," and added, "China will protect the legitimate rights of Chinese companies and individuals through resolute measures."

On the 26th (local time), U.S. authorities began imposing visa restrictions on Chinese individuals involved in land reclamation, militarization, and suppression of resource access in the South China Sea region, and included 24 state-owned enterprises, including several subsidiaries of China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), on the sanctions list.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.