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In a speech in
Sydney, McCain said China was asserting itself globally, best
illustrated by militarizing artificial islands in the South
China Sea, a claim repeatedly rejected by Beijing.
"I think it is very clear that the Chinese by filling in these
islands are militarizing them and that is in violation of
international law," the Arizona senator said.
McCain's comments are set to escalate tensions between the
United States and China just days before delegates from both
countries are scheduled to attend a regional security conference
in Singapore.
China claims most of the resource-rich South China Sea, through
which about $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes every year.
Neighbors Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam
also have claims on the strategic waterway.
The United States estimates Beijing has added more than 3,200
acres (1,300 hectares) of land on seven features in the South
China Sea over the past three years, building runways, ports,
aircraft hangars and communications equipment.
To counter the perceived Chinese aggression, the United States
has conducted so-called freedom-of-navigation exercises, the
most recent of which was conducted by a U.S navy warship near
Mischief Reef in the disputed Spratly Islands.
At the same time, U.S. President Donald Trump is seeking China's
cooperation to rein in ally North Korea's nuclear and missile
programs.
Allies such as Australia have so far refused to participate in
freedom-of-navigation exercises in the fear of alienating
Beijing.
While McCain stopped short of calling on Australia to undertake
the exercises, the former U.S. presidential nominee said allies
must work together to find a peaceful solution.
(Editing by Nick Macfie)
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