He said the US’ strategic rebalance has made extraordinary progress and that rebalance was not a goal or a promise, but a reality. He also criticized China over handling the disputes in South China Sea, which the Chinese delegation refuted.
The Chinese delegation also said it was not appropriate to single out and criticize one country in a multilateral dialogue environment.
"China has called the South China Sea a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation and that’s what it should be. But in recent months, China has undertaken destabilizing, unilateral actions asserting its claims in the South China Sea." Chuck Hagel said, "We also oppose any effort by any nation to restrict overflight or freedom of navigation, whether from military or civilian vessels, from countries big or small. The United States will not look the other way when fundamental principles of the international order are being challenged."
