PhotoBEIJING — The Chinese state news media lashed out at Rex W. Tillerson, President-elect Donald J. Trump’s nominee for secretary of state, on Friday, warning that his call to deny China access to islands it has constructed in the South China Sea could provoke a conflict. An international tribunal invalidated many of China’s claims in the sea last year, but Chinese leaders have pressed forward with construction. But American officials have so far stopped short of threatening to block China’s access to the islands. Some Chinese analysts said Mr. Tillerson’s remarks were an indication that the United States would continue to seek a robust presence in Asia, despite Mr. Trump’s pledges to focus on domestic issues. “China will not adjust its policy regarding the South China Sea,” Mr. Su said in a telephone interview.

Source: New York Times January 13, 2017 13:23 UTC