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Russian ambassador: Tensions in South China Sea created artificially

According to Russia's ambassador, it’s clear that Beijing is interested in "securing the freedom of navigation without any complicating circumstances more than anyone else"

© AP Photo/Johnson Lai

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BEIJING, June 21. /TASS/. The current tensions in the South China Sea have been created artificially and are linked to the interference of states outside the region, Russian Ambassador to Beijing Andrey Denisov said in an interview with Russian journalists on Tuesday.

"If not accusations then at least suspicions against China voiced by some world capitals regarding restrictions if not say a threat for the freedom of navigation, according to Russian experts, are artificial and have no relation to reality," the ambassador said.

China, which became the world’s largest trading nation a long time ago even overtaking the United States, carries the majority of its cargos by sea routes, including through these waters, Denisov said, adding that it’s clear that Beijing is interested in "securing the freedom of navigation without any complicating circumstances more than anyone else."

The position of Russia linked to the disputes over the territorial problems in the South China Sea is well-known, he reminded. "It is logical and rather definite. We call for solving any disputes by negotiations between the countries taking part in these or those discussions," he said.

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