China says US provoking arms race in moves into South China Sea. Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong criticized the U.S. military presence in the South China Sea, claiming it incites an arms race and undermines regional security. Sun's remarks follow heightened tensions between China and the Philippines, a U.S. ally. He accused the U.S. of intensifying maritime disputes and deploying missile systems that exacerbate geopolitical conflicts. Sun emphasized China's commitment to resolving disputes through dialogue.