John McCain expressed his honest thoughts about the Chinese government during his speech at the University of Sydney where he was invited to talk about the relationship between the US and Australia. Speaking before Australian Prime Ministers John Howard and Bob Hawke, the American senator slammed China for being a "bully" after growing "wealthier and stronger."
'More and more like a bully'
The senator from Arizona continued targeting China by accusing the country of "refusing to open more of its economy" to allow fair competition between local and overseas businesses.
McCain even mentioned China's claims over South China Sea, which he said "have no basis in international law." He added that these acts could pose "severe consequences" for the entire territory.
When asked if the Australian government should participate in the exercises of Freedom Of Navigation in the disputed South China Sea, McCain suggested Australia could join their annual international maritime warfare exercise called Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC).
The veteran politician also lambasted the Chinese government for "using its trade and investment" as their weapons to pressure their neighboring countries. His blunt remarks about the People's Republic of China (PRC) did not stop there.
The American senator went on and accused the country of "stealing other peoples' intellectual property."
Tension between US and China
Delegates from both countries are scheduled to meet at a regional security conference in Singapore. But McCain's recent remarks about China are expected to increase the tension between the two nations.
Similarly, the US recently carried out their freedom of navigation exercises near Mischief Reef after learning that China has increased its military presence in South China Sea.
The American government estimated Beijing has added over 3,200 acres of land in the disputed territory to put up runways and ports over the past three years.
The tension between the US and China escalated when North Korea performed a series of missile and nuclear tests in March.
In fact, Beijing has called out the US and South Korea to put an end to their joint military drills against North Korea over Korean Peninsula disputes. Pyongyang's missile tests, as expected, have further complicate Washington's strained relationship with China.
Also, the Chinese government was not pleased when the US and South Korea installed THAAD to counter North Korea's missile threats.
