Chinese ambassador to the US Cui Tiankai, however, said all the accusations about how China has developed are "groundless" and "not fair" to the Chinese people. Cui said it is important to notice who started the trade friction. Cui added, "Honestly, I've been talking to ambassadors of other countries in Washington DC, and this is also part of their problem." Cui said the incident took place in the South China Sea, which is at China's doorstep. "It's not Chinese warships that are going to the coast of California or to the Gulf of Mexico," Cui said.