China hits back at US President

Apr 11

China hits back Friday at US President Barack Obama’s criticism of Chinese construction in the disputed South China Sea, arguing that it is Washington that has greater military muscle. The Chinese foreign ministry’s sharp reply came a day after Mr. Obama warned that Beijing is using its sheer size and muscle to force countries into subordinate positions, amid reports of controversial Chinese land reclamation efforts.

Beijing asserts sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, including areas near the coasts of other states, using a line that first appeared on Chinese maps in the 1940s. The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan all have overlapping claims.