Update | China’s state-run newspaper backs ‘non-peaceful’ steps against Vietnam
Global Times says a 'forced war' would convince some countries of 'China's peaceful intentions' as PLA General Fang Fenghui points finger of blame for Vietnam unrest at US strategic 'pivot' to Asia
The state-run newspaper backed the use of “non-peaceful” measures against Vietnam and the Philippines on Friday, as it considered the possibility of war over territorial disputes in the strategically vital South China Sea.
“Many people believe that a forced war would convince some countries of China’s sincerely peaceful intentions.”
“The South China Sea disputes should be settled in a peaceful manner, but that doesn’t mean China can’t resort to non-peaceful measures in the face of provocation from Vietnam and the Philippines,” the newspaper, which often takes a nationalistic tone, wrote in an editorial.
“Many people believe that a forced war would convince some countries of China’s sincerely peaceful intentions,” the paper added.
Earlier on Thursday a top Chinese general defended the deployment of an oil rig that has inflamed tensions in the disputed South China Sea and triggered the deadly protests in Vietnam, blaming Hanoi and saying China cannot afford to “lose an inch” of territory.
Watch: Top Chinese general in US amid oil rig dispute with Vietnam
Speaking in Washington General Fang Fenghui also pointed blame at US President Barack Obama’s strategic “pivot” to Asia as Vietnam and China grapple with one of the worst breakdowns in relations since the neighbours fought a brief border war in 1979.
