China denies using virus to grow presence in South China Sea
Image Credit: shortpedia
Recent developments in South China Sea where China is in loggerheads with neighbours in territorial disputes over islands, coral reefs, lagoons have irked many. The waters are a vital shipping route for global commerce and are rich in fish and potential oil and gas reserves. However, China’s foreign minister has dismissed claims that it is exploiting the coronavirus outbreak to expand its footprint in South China Sea.