China, U.S. remain far apart on solution to South China Sea issue

Both China and the United States remained relatively subdued when the two found themselves at an important security forum in Asia held recently, but it appears the calm facade is simply that, as the two remain at odds when it came to finding a workable solution.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter said China's continuing maritime construction work in the region has led to tension rising even more among all other countries involved in the issue. While Carter was quick to point out China's faults, he was also willing to acknowledge the sometimes detrimental actions done by the other countries involved, according to Reuters.

China's take on the matter is not entirely similar with how the United States sees it.

Admiral Sun Jianguo, deputy chief of staff for the People's Liberation Army who was also doing double duty as the leader of the Chinese delegation at the forum, indicated that China is far from being a threat, and instead called the situation surrounding the South China Sea as one that was "peaceful and stable," according to The Guardian.

The admiral went on to add that China's ongoing maritime construction work in the area was there to help improve the functionality of the different islands, and that the country is there to help contribute even more to the international scene via the research they are able to do there regarding disaster relief, maritime search and rescue, among other things.

Interestingly, though China has maintained a peaceful front when faced with questions surrounding the South China issue, the country has also been careful to draw the line in the sand for other nations.

Al Jazeera observed that one of China's state-owned newspapers, named The Global Times, outlined a very clear and stern statement to the United States, specifically talking about what could happen if they continue to insist that China stop their activities in the region.

The Global Times reportedly said a war between China and the United States could be inevitable if the latter continues to demand that China stop what they are doing.