China more aggressive during Covid-19, threat is global: US defence chief

New Delhi: Amid talks of India-China de-escalation from eastern Lakadkh, the US has said the world has seen China become “more aggressive” during the COVID-19 pandemic. US Defense Secretary Mark Esper has said China deployed troops along the Line of Actual Control with India and is acting out in a way that is “inconsistent” with international norms. Also Read - 'Disengage Troops From Pangong Tso': India Tells China in 5th Corps Commander Meet

“What we have seen with regard to what happened in the last seven months coming as part of COVID, if you will, we’ve seen China become more aggressive, trying to use the tragedy, of COVID-19 to their advantage for propaganda purposes. They have really overplayed their hand and we’ve seen them continue to try and exercise this muscle in the South China Sea,” he said. Also Read - India-China Border Row: Army Preparing to Maintain Current Strength During Winter at -20 Degree Celsius

Beijing claims almost all of the 1.3 million square miles South China Sea as its sovereign territory. China has been building military bases on artificial islands in the region also claimed by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.