Phnom Penh, 9 August 2022 (TDI): Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, explained China’s solemn position on the South China Sea issue during the 12th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.
Wang Yi said the biggest risk to peace and stability in the South China Sea is the frequent interference by major countries outside the region.
SC&FM #WangYi elaborates on #China‘s solemn position on the #SouthChinaSea issue
The biggest risk to peace & stability in the #SouthChinaSea is the intervention & frequent interference by major countries outside the region https://t.co/CERnVTEsTK pic.twitter.com/pD7PgA7cGo— Ji Rong嵇蓉 (@JiRongMFA) August 8, 2022
Wang Yi claimed that a strong legal and historical foundation supports China’s rights to the South China Sea. China has never altered the background or the scope of its claims on the South China Sea. China demanded that the other foreign powers should stop making unwarranted claims.
Also Read: Chinese military exercises in South China Sea commence
China, ASEAN collaboration over South China Sea issue
According to the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), China and ASEAN nations are committed to appropriately resolving disagreements through bilateral dialogue and discussion.
China and the ASEAN nations have also collaborated throughout time to preserve the general stability in the South China Sea. Both sides create a stable environment for each country’s development and prosperity.
Wang Yi said China and ASEAN nations are accelerating talks on the South China Sea Code of Conduct. Both sides will also collaborate to update the DOC and establish regional regulations that are effective practically.
Threats to peace and stability in the South China Sea
Chinese Foreign Minister said that the frequent and ineffective interference by major powers outside the region threatened the peace and stability of the region.
The United States had not raised any objection to China’s claims of sovereignty, rights, and interests in the South China Sea. The US did not take a position on the sovereignty issue of the islands and reefs in the Sea.
Currently, the US objects the China’s position and claims in the Sea which is ridiculous in terms of logic, laws, and justice.
More and more US warships and planes were often spotted in the South China Sea and the airspace above it in recent years which pose a threat to regional peace.
Non-regional governments particularly the US should uphold their responsibilities and truly regard the efforts made by regional nations to preserve peace and stability in the South China Sea.
