Quotable

The US report ignores the basic facts and international legal principles and is contrary to its promises not to take a position or sides."

HONG LEI, Foreign Ministry spokesman, condemned on Tuesday a report by the US State Department about China's claims in the South China Sea. The US State Department report, issued on Friday, said that China's claims were both unclear and inconsistent. Hong said that China's rights were based on its historic claims. "We urge the US to abide by its promises, act and speak cautiously and objectively and fairly view and deal with the issue."