National flags of China (R) and the United States.(Xinhua/Bao Dandan)
BEIJING, July 10 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese military spokesperson on Thursday refuted the accusations made by the U.S. Department of Defense over recent exercises conducted by the Chinese military in the South China Sea.
Ren Guoqiang, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of National Defense, said the U.S. side had completely disregarded the facts and confused right and wrong in an attempt to drive a wedge between regional countries and seek profits from it.
"We are strongly dissatisfied with it and express our resolute opposition," Ren said when answering a reporter's question.
Ren said the Chinese side announced the exercises -- conducted in the seas off China's Xisha Islands -- on June 27. The exercises were part of the scheduled annual training plan and did not target any particular country.
Ren said the South China Sea situation has been stabilized and is turning for the better thanks to the joint efforts of China and countries of the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations.
The United States, however, has been sending a large number of advanced planes and ships to the South China Sea to make provocations and show its military power, posing threats to regional peace and stability.
"We hope the U.S. side can reflect on its behaviors, stop military provocations in the South China Sea and stop its groundless accusations against the Chinese side," Ren said. ■