CRI听力:China Criticizes US Report on South China Sea

The Chinese government is blasting a recently-released report from US authorities over China's sovereignty over the South China Sea.

The report, released by the US State Department last week, suggests China's claims in the South China Sea are both unclear and inconsistent.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei says the report goes against previous pledges made by Washington.

"The U.S. report ignores the basic facts and international legal principles and is contrary to its promises not to take a position or sides on the South China Sea issue. It is not helpful to the resolution of the South China Sea issue and the peace and stability of the South China Sea. We urge the U.S. side to abide by its promises, act and speak cautiously and objectively and fairly view and deal with the relevant issue."
　　　　
The Chinese government released a position paper last week connected to arbitration initiated by the Philippines.

That paper says China will not accept or participate in the Philippine-initiated arbitration.

The Chinese side says bilateral talks are the only way to solve disputes in the South China Sea, and says any unilateral action by the Philippine side is in contradiction of international law.