Chinese army Lieutenant-General He Lei said China would crush any foreign incursion into its territory, including the South.
"We in the Chinese People's Liberation Army will resolutely crush any foreign hostile encroachment on China's territorial, sovereign and maritime rights and interests with firm determination, staunch will, strong capability and effective means," he was quoted as saying.
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The South China Sea is a major point of geopolitical tension owing to the overlapping territorial claims from multiple nations. Major disputes involve the Spratly Islands and the Paracel Islands, with China asserting extensive claims that conflict with those of Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan.
China has been steadily increasing its sovereignty over the maritime region, leading to verbal altercations with the US.
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He Lei said if China pushes other countries to the frontline or if the US itself ends up in the front line, "then we in the Chinese People's Liberation Army... will never have any patience".
He said he intends to convey the message to the US that China wants both the countries and armies to be partners and friends and have a "win-win cooperation."
"We want the United States to make more contributions to regional and world peace, security, and stability," he said.