China pledges free navigation

China pledges free navigation

MANILA (Reuters): China pledged on Monday to ensure freedom of
navigation in the South China Sea where it is locked in disputes
with five other nations over ownership of islands.

China's ambassador in Manila Fu Ying said keeping the South
China Sea -- regarded as one of the world's most vital shipping
lanes -- free and safe for navigation was in the interest of
China, Japan, the United States and other countries in the
region.

U.S. officials have said it is critical to keep the South
China Sea open for navigation in the face of territorial disputes
involving China, Taiwan, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and
Brunei.

Tension flared in the area last year when the Philippines
accused China of building a potential military garrison on a reef
in the Spratly islands. Beijing says the facilities are shelters
for fishermen.