Beijing: US ‘ignored the facts’ in uninviting China from naval exercises

China said Thursday that the United States “ignored the facts” when it rescinded an invitation to  participate in a major military exercise. 

Reuters reported that China’s Defense Ministry claimed the U.S. “hyped up” the buildup of Chinese forces in the South China Sea, and used it as a reason to uninvite China.

“This decision by the United States is not constructive. Closing the door to communication at any time is not conducive toward promoting mutual trust and communication between the Chinese and U.S. militaries,” the ministry said in a statement, according to the news service.

{mosads}

The Pentagon confirmed Wednesday that it was disinviting China from this year’s Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise.

“China’s behavior is inconsistent with the principles and purposes of the RIMPAC exercise,” a Pentagon spokesman said.

China has participated in the last two RIMPAC exercises. The world’s largest maritime warfare exercise includes approximately two dozen participant countries.

Last week, China for the first time released video of a nuclear-capable bomber landing on Woody Island in the disputed South China Sea. That followed reports of China deploying anti-ship cruise missiles and surface-to-air missiles on the disputed Spratly Islands.