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In brief: China, U.S. clash over islands, rights

From Wire Reports

BEIJING – China said Thursday it is entitled to keep watch over airspace and seas surrounding artificial islands it created in the disputed waters of the South China Sea, following an exchange in which its navy warned off a U.S. surveillance plane. The United States said its aerial patrolling was in accordance with international law and “no one in their right mind” would try to stop it.

A CNN crew reported it witnessed an incident Wednesday in which a Chinese navy dispatcher demanded eight times that a U.S. Navy P8-A Poseidon surveillance aircraft leave the area as it flew over Fiery Cross Reef, where China has conducted extensive reclamation work. It said the U.S. crew responded that they were flying through international airspace, to which the Chinese dispatcher answered: “This is the Chinese navy … You go!”

Speaking at a regular daily briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei reiterated Beijing’s insistence on its indisputable sovereignty over the islands it has created by piling sand on top of atolls and reefs.

“We hope relevant countries respect China’s sovereignty over the South China Sea, abandon actions that may intensify controversies and play a constructive role for regional peace and stability,” Hong said.

Irish premier calls for gay marriage approval

DUBLIN – Prime Minister Enda Kenny is urging Ireland’s voters to support the legalization of gay marriage in a referendum that pits the power of the Catholic Church against his secular government.

Speaking on the eve of today’s nationwide vote, Kenny said Ireland could “create history” by becoming the first nation to cast a popular vote for gay marriage.

Kenny said voters’ approval of a constitutional amendment to legalize gay marriage would represent an Irish civil rights breakthrough “that for generations gay people could never imagine.”

Catholic leaders and conservative pressure groups are arguing that legalization could produce surprising repercussions in Irish courts that could undermine traditional marriages.