These are very reassuring, strong words. But the time for action has come. China should not be allowed to construct that airstrip on Mabini Reef inside the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone that would give China an Unsinkable Aircraft Carrier, a Clear & Present Danger to the security of the Philippines, the United States and our allies., a game changer in the Asia Pacific geopolitical power play... Roilo Golez
"In recent months, China has undertaken destabilising, unilateral actions asserting its claims in the South China Sea," Hagel told fellow defence chiefs, military officials, diplomats and security experts attending the annual Shangri-La Dialogue.
He accused China of restricting access by the Philippines to Scarborough Shoal, putting pressure on Manila's long-standing presence in Second Thomas Shoal, beginning land reclamation at various locations and moving an oil rig into disputed waters with Vietnam.
Hagel said that while the United States does not take sides on rival claims, "we firmly oppose any nation's use of intimidation, coercion, or the threat of force to assert these claims".
"The United States will not look the other way when fundamental principles of the international order are being challenged," he said.
US's Hagel accuses China of 'destabilising' acts in South China Sea
This picture taken on May 14, 2014 from a Vietnamese coast guard ship shows a Chinese coast guard vessel (L) sailing near a Chinese oil rig in disputed waters in the South China Sea
Credit: Hoang Dinh Nam/AFP/File
In the same speech Hagel also called on coup leaders in Washington's long term ally Thailand to release detainees and immediately call "free and fair" elections.
Stressing US commitments to allies and friends in Asia, Hagel called for a peaceful resolution of international disputes and issued a blunt message to China, which was represented by a high-level military delegation at the forum.
"In recent months, China has undertaken destabilising, unilateral actions asserting its claims in the South China Sea," Hagel told fellow defence chiefs, military officials, diplomats and security experts attending the annual Shangri-La Dialogue.
He accused China of restricting access by the Philippines to Scarborough Shoal, putting pressure on Manila's long-standing presence in Second Thomas Shoal, beginning land reclamation at various locations and moving an oil rig into disputed waters with Vietnam.
Hagel said that while the United States does not take sides on rival claims, "we firmly oppose any nation's use of intimidation, coercion, or the threat of force to assert these claims".
"The United States will not look the other way when fundamental principles of the international order are being challenged," he said.
Tensions have flared up recently in the South China Sea, claimed almost entirely by China, which has lately taken bold steps to enforce what it says are its historical rights.
Four Southeast Asian states -- Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam -- claim parts of the sea, with Manila and Hanoi being the most vocal in opposing China's claims. Taiwan is the sixth claimant.
Speaking about the recent coup in Thailand Hagel added: "We urge the Royal Thai Armed Forces to release those who have been detained, end restrictions on free expression, and move immediately to restore power to the people of Thailand, through free and fair elections."
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