Beijing: The defence chiefs of China and the US on Tuesday traded barbs publicly, with China questioning Secretary Chuck Hagel`s support for Japan and warning that it will not allow an "iota of violation" of its territory.
The media interaction between Hagel and his Chinese counterpart Chang Wanquan turned out to be public spat between the two top Defence officials after they vociferously aired their differences over China`s territorial disputes with its neighbours and its decision to establish an air defence zone over disputed islands.
Chang, a senior General, minced no words about China`s resentment of US support for its close ally Japan over the disputed islands in the East China Sea as well as backing the Philippines and other claimants against China in the South China Sea.
"The territorial sovereignty is China`s core interest. We will make no compromise or concession. Not even an iota of violation is allowed. China has indisputable sovereignty over Diaoyu islands and adjacent waters," Chang said rebuffing Hagel`s assertions that China should demonstrate great power responsibilities.
Chang said: "Complete responsibility of all problem lies with Japan and we hope US stay vigilant against actions of Japan and not tolerate bad evil that could bring disaster to all".
On the South China Sea, he rebuffed US mediation saying "China ready to settle disputes with countries directly involved".
Chang criticised the Philippines for its illegal occupation of some islands and reefs in the South China Sea, saying it is a miscalculation to propose international arbitration on the South China Sea issue under the guise of international law, as the Philippines has done.
China has repeatedly made clear its stance of neither accepting nor participating in such international arbitration, he said.
State television CCTV report said that in veiled warning, Chang said PLA can win the war if China is threatened.
The US criticised Beijing`s recent declaration of an air defence zone over a large swath of the East China Sea, including disputed islands controlled by Japan.
"Every nation has a right to establish an air defence zone, but not a right to do it unilaterally with no collaboration, no consultation. That adds to tensions, misunderstandings, and could eventually add to, and eventually get to, dangerous conflict," said Hagel.
