China today hit back at US support to Vietnam and the Philippines in the South China Sea dispute saying that by accusing it of provocative actions, Washington has emboldened Beijing's neighbours to resort to aggressive acts.
US Secretary of State John Kerry's had termed China's move to send an oil rig to disputed waters in the South China Sea (SCS) also claimed by Vietnam as "provocative".
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said Kerry's comments are emboldening countries in the region.
US State Department said Kerry in his telephone chat with Chinese counterpart Wang Yi today stated that introduction of an oil rig and government vessels by China in waters disputed with Vietnam was provocative.
Both sides should de-escalate tensions, ensure safe conduct by their vessels at sea, and resolve the dispute through peaceful means, he said.
Reacting to Kerry's assertions, Hua accused Vietnam of provocative actions to obstruct the Chinese rig.
"There is indeed a country taking provocative actions in the South China Sea, but this country is not China," Hua said at a daily press briefing.
"The US' mistaken comments have encouraged dangerous and provocative actions. We expect the United States to reflect on its acts. If it indeed expects the Pacific Ocean to be pacific, it should think what role it can play in maintaining regional peace and stability," Hua said.
She said in his conversations with Kerry, Wang has explained China's stand on the issue and called for removal of obstacles for building sound and new relations between Beijing and Washington.
Chinese and Vietnamese vessels collided numerous times in the last few days as Hanoi continued to stop attempts by the Chinese oil rig to drill in the area also claimed by it.
Also, the Philippines held 11 Chinese fishermen in waters of islands claimed by both countries.
China has called on the Philippines to release the fishermen. China claims almost all of the South China Sea. Its claims are strongly disputed by Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei.
State-run Chinese media meanwhile said challengers of China's territorial claims should be made to pay an "unaffordable price".
"The Philippines has singled itself out as a determined challenger of Chinese national interests and the devoted hatchet man of foreign anti-China forces," state-run China Daily said in an editorial.
"It needs to be convinced that it has made a choice that, if it persists, means paying an unaffordable price," it said.
The daily accused Japan, the Philippines and Vietnam of worsening the situation in the region, encouraged by "malicious third parties".
China had also reacted strongly yesterday to India expressing concern over the tensions.
In its editorial, the daily said, "Beijing must make sure that every claimant knows blackmail and extortion will not work, and that it will not compromise its territorial integrity. A rat will not be pacified when we hesitate to pelt it for fear of smashing the vase beside it," it said.
