China Rejects US Criticism Over South China Sea New Rules

(MENAFN- Qatar News Agency) China has expressed discontent over US criticism regarding new Chinese regulations for foreign fishing operations in the South China Sea. The new rules introduced by China's Hainan provincial government took effect this month. They require foreign ships and nationals to obtain approval from China's government and obey its laws to fish or survey in waters under the province's jurisdiction.



At a news conference on Friday, China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said Hainan's new regulations are in accord with laws enacted in 1986. She said the problem does not lie in the Chinese law but in the minds of people who interpret it. She added that if the United States truly hopes for peace and stability in the regional waters, it should act discreetly and respect and support efforts made by the parties concerned. She said the nation needs to play a constructive role and not send wrong signals.



Earlier on Thursday, US State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki had criticized the rules, saying they were 'provocative and potentially dangerous.' The affected waters include the Spratly and Paracel Islands, claimed by Asian countries including Vietnam and the Philippines