China defiant on territory claims, demands respect

BEIJING: China´s foreign minister sounded a note of defiance to the country´s neighbors Saturday over rival territorial claims, and said good relations with Washington depend on mutual respect.

Wang Yi told reporters at an annual news conference that China wouldn´t bully smaller countries over territorial and maritime disputes. But he said Beijing also wouldn´t give in to what he called unreasonable demands from those same countries, in an apparent reference to the Philippines and others who challenge China´s claims to the entire South China Sea and its islands.

Referring to a similar island dispute with Japan, Wang said there was no room for compromise on issues of territory and history. Wang, speaking during China´s annual ceremonial congress, also said strong relations with Washington depended on true respect for China´s sovereignty, social system and major concerns.