UNITED NATIONS - China's permanent representative to the United Nations Fu Cong on Monday rejected US accusations against China over maritime security, including China's alleged influence over the Panama Canal.

Recently, the US delegation has repeatedly made unwarranted accusations against China, Fu said. "We firmly oppose this."

China has always respected Panama's sovereignty over the canal and recognizes the permanent neutrality of the canal as an international waterway, he told a Security Council high-level open debate on maritime security.

"The US fabrication of lies and groundless attacks against China are nothing but a pretext for seeking control of the canal. China firmly opposes economic coercion and bullying practices, and urges the United States to stop fabricating lies and creating troubles," said Fu.

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Acting US Representative to the United Nations Dorothy Shea, in her statement, talked about "China's outsized influence over the Panama Canal area" and "China's expansive and unlawful maritime claims and aggressive actions," in indirect reference to the South China Sea.

Fu pointed out that the United States is the biggest disruptor of peace and stability in the South China Sea.

The United States has deployed offensive weaponry in the region, including land-based intermediate-range missiles. It has repeatedly dispatched large-scale naval and air forces to conduct reconnaissance and military exercises in the South China Sea, flexing its military muscle and running amok at the very doorstep of other states. The objective is to create instability in the region to advance its own geopolitical agenda, noted Fu.

"The US hegemony, Cold War mentality, and unilateral actions are gravely exacerbating risks to global maritime security," he warned.

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The United States has yet to accede to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and refuses to fulfill relevant obligations. It disregards international law and the warnings of the International Seabed Authority by unilaterally deciding to exploit international seabed resources, thereby appropriating the common heritage of humanity.

It has openly threatened the normal operations of the Panama Canal and the Suez Canal, and has wantonly challenged the sovereignty of other states. It has abused security concepts related to maritime issues, obstructed the development of maritime infrastructure, and undermined the stability of industrial and supply chains, noted Fu.

"We urge the United States to do some serious soul-searching and to assume in good faith responsibilities as a major country," he said.