IN BRIEF (Page 5)

Beijing

US 'bully' remark brings response

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying urged non-parties on Thursday to stick to an objective and impartial stance over the South China Sea issue. Non-parties should contribute to mutual trust, cooperation, regional peace and stability instead of sowing discord or fanning flames, she said at a routine news briefing. Hua's remarks came after US Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Russel said on Wednesday that "bigger nations can't bully the small" in the South China Sea. China has always stood for the equality of all countries, big and small, said Hua.