US's Hagel accuses China of 'destabilising' acts in South China Sea

A Chinese coast guard vessel (L) sailing near a Chinese oil rig in disputed waters in the South China Sea, May 14, 2014. - AFP

Singapore (AFP) - US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel accused China on Saturday of "destabilising actions" in the South China Sea and warned that Washington will not remain passive if the international order is threatened.

In the same speech Hagel also called on coup leaders in Washington's long term ally Thailand to release detainees and immediately call "free and fair" elections.

Stressing US commitments to allies and friends in Asia, Hagel called for a peaceful resolution of international disputes and issued a blunt message to China, which was represented by a high-level military delegation at the forum.

"In recent months, China has undertaken destabilising, unilateral actions asserting its claims in the South China Sea," Hagel told fellow defence chiefs, military officials, diplomats and security experts attending the annual Shangri-La Dialogue.

He accused China of restricting access by the Philippines to Scarborough Shoal, putting pressure on Manila's long-standing presence in Second Thomas Shoal, beginning land reclamation at various locations and moving an oil rig into disputed waters with Vietnam.

Hagel said that while the United States does not take sides on rival claims, "we firmly oppose any nation's use of intimidation, coercion, or the threat of force to assert these claims".

"The United States will not look the other way when fundamental principles of the international order are being challenged," he said.

Tensions have flared up recently in the South China Sea, claimed almost entirely by China, which has lately taken bold steps to enforce what it says are its historical rights.

Four Southeast Asian states -- Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam -- claim parts of the sea, with Manila and Hanoi being the most vocal in opposing China's claims. Taiwan is the sixth claimant.

Speaking about the recent coup in Thailand Hagel added: "We urge the Royal Thai Armed Forces to release those who have been detained, end restrictions on free expression, and move immediately to restore power to the people of Thailand, through free and fair elections."