“There should not be double standards or multi-standards for demilitarisation in the South China Sea, and the process requires joint efforts from countries in the region and beyond,” he said.
US State Department spokesman John Kirby on Thursday said that commercial satellite imagery suggested “very recent” placement of missiles on Yongxing Island that went against China’s pledge not to militarize the South China Sea, Reuters reported.
In response to the accusation, Hong said the US is strengthening military deployment in the South China Sea and frequently sends military vessels or planes to conduct close-in reconnaissance against China. (IANS)