China says South China Sea criticism will rebound like a coiled spring

Vice Admiral Joseph Aucoin, commander of the U.S. 7th Fleet, speaks to the media during USS Blue Ridge's visit to Shanghai, China, May 6, 2016. REUTERS/John Ruwitch

BEIJING/SHANGHAI (Reuters) - International criticism of China over the disputed South China Sea will rebound like a coiled spring, a Chinese diplomat said on Friday, as a U.S. warship visited Shanghai against a backdrop of rising tension in the region.

China claims almost all of the energy-rich South China Sea, through which more than $5 trillion (£3.45 trillion) of trade passes each year. The Philippines, Brunei, Vietnam, Malaysia and Taiwan have overlapping claims.