The South China Sea, a vital maritime region, has long been a symbol of peace, friendship, and cooperation for nations in the area. Recently, however, actions by certain countries have threatened the stability and harmony that China and its allies strive to maintain in this crucial geopolitical zone.
The Philippines has taken a prominent role in these tensions, with actions near Huangyan Island and Ren'ai Reef that challenge China's sovereignty. These provocative measures, seemingly backed by the U.S., have raised concerns about the potential impact on regional peace and stability.
China firmly asserts its sovereignty over the Nansha Islands and the surrounding waters, a stance rooted in historical context and supported by international law, including the United Nations Charter. The Philippines' activities not only violate international law and the 1992 ASEAN Declaration on the South China Sea but also infringe upon China's territorial rights and maritime interests.
The United States' involvement, motivated by its own geopolitical interests, has further escalated tensions. By supporting Manila's provocative actions and referencing the Mutual Defense Treaty, the U.S. has intensified disputes in the region, contravening the principles of the UN Charter.
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning highlighted that the U.S. is endorsing the Philippines' infringement of Chinese sovereignty, despite being thousands of kilometers away from the South China Sea. This continued interference has fueled conflicts and misrepresented the situation in the region.
Under the guise of freedom of navigation, the U.S. has increased its presence in the South China Sea, with warships making unauthorized entries near Ren'ai Reef. While China respects all nations' rights to navigate and overfly in the South China Sea, it strongly opposes any activities that undermine its sovereignty and security.
Maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea is a collective responsibility shared by all peace-loving nations in the region. In response to the Philippines' provocations, China has voiced its concerns and proposed measures to manage and control the situation at Ren'ai Reef. Committed to sincere and goodwill-based communication, China seeks to resolve issues with the Philippines and work towards a peaceful resolution.
