The statement added that Beijing would continue to take all necessary means to defend national sovereignty and security. The same day, the US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on a Chinese bank accused of laundering North Korean cash. Trump had praised China’s efforts to bring pressure on North Korea over its nuclear and missile programs. Washington has challenged annexations of South China Sea islets while advocating for a diplomatic settlement. On May 25, the USS Dewey guided-missile destroyer sailed less than 12 nautical miles from Mischief Reef — part of the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, south of the Paracel Islands.

Source: Manila Times July 03, 2017 00:33 UTC