An all but soft start at an Asia-Pacific security forum in Singapore for the U.S. defense chief.<br/> <br />U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel began with remarks on Beijing's actions in the disputed South China Sea.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. SECRETARY OF DEFENSE CHUCK HAGEL SAYING:<br/> <br />"China has called the South China Sea a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation and that's what it should be. But in recent months, China has undertaken destabilizing, unilateral actions asserting its claims in the South China Sea."<br/> <br />The Chinese military deputy chief of staff didn't hesitate to respond.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin) DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF OF THE PEOPLE'S LIBERATION ARMY, WANG GUANZHONG, SAYING: (SOUNDBITE CONTINUES OVER SEVERAL SHOTS OF HAGEL SPEAKING)<br/> <br />At such a public venue, Hagel publicly singled out China and made groundless accusations. These accusations are all baseless and unreasonable."<br/> <br />In recent weeks, tensions have been mounting in the region after China pla
