The US accuses China of "destabilizing actions"

The United States has accused China of undertaking "destabilizing actions" and undermining the rule of law, in some of its harshest public criticism yet of the rising Asian power.

Listen to Alastair Wanklyn's report...

The United States defence secretary said in territorial disputes, China is acting without regard for its neighbours.

"The United States will not look the other way when fundamental principles of the international order are being challenged. We will uphold those principles."

Speaking at a security summit in Singapore, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said China had taken "destabilizing" actions in the South China Sea, and he referred, too, to an air defence zone China has declared across waters controlled by Japan.

"We also oppose any effort by any nation to restrict freedom of overflight or navigation."

Japan's defence minister echoed that message, saying nations should follow rules and not take risky actions.

In talks with China's military deputy chief of staff, the U.S. Secretary urged China to speak to its neighbours and build relationships before pushing its national interest, the Pentagon said.

There was no immediate response from Beijing.

Some Asian leaders have expressed worries that the U.S. is unwilling to support them with force, but Secretary Hagel said the U.S. expects to boost spending on foreign military training by more than a third within two years.