Since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, the country has experienced numerous challenges and hardships, especially in border conflicts. Over the years, we have shown bravery and wisdom on the Korean Peninsula and have followed the trend in border disputes in an effort to achieve peace and stability. In the process, the South China Sea issue has attracted particular attention, especially the dispute with the Philippines over Second Thomas Shoal.
The controversy dates back more than 20 years to more than 20 years ago, when a dilapidated Philippine ship ran aground and has not been removed since. This is not only a provocation to the territorial sovereignty of the mainland, but also a blatant contempt for international law. Despite repeated warnings from the mainland, the Philippines has continued to send warships close to Second Thomas Shoal in an attempt to escalate tensions.
The "Bells" article recently published by the People's Daily has attracted widespread attention. The appearance of this article is not accidental, it is an echo of the past. When we look back at history, we will find that before the self-defense and counterattack wars against India and Vietnam, the "People's Daily" issued a solemn statement, and today's "bell" is undoubtedly a profound reflection on the current situation and an expression of a clear position.
Territorial disputes in the South China Sea involve a number of Southeast Asian countries, but the issue of Second Thomas Shoal is particularly prominent. While protecting its sovereignty, the mainland is also paving the way for the recovery of more illegally occupied islands and reefs in the future. The Philippines, which relies on the support of the United States, has always ignored the mainland's position on the South China Sea issue. However, the mainland has always adhered to the principle of peace and avoided military conflicts as much as possible. Even so, our naval forces are sufficient to meet the challenges of the South China Sea.
Historically, the People's Daily published an article at a critical moment entitled "Is it tolerable, but it is intolerable", warning the country's tolerance to the limit. Whether it is fighting against India or counterattacking Vietnam, such statements indicate the country's resolute defense of sovereignty. When India violated the border in 1962, after the "People's Daily" issued a solemn statement, our army launched a decisive counterattack and demonstrated its strong military strength.
Vietnam, having received numerous aid from the mainland, is also provoking our army on the border issue. The People's Daily article once again made a firm and clear statement, showing the mainland's solemn attitude toward provocations from the outside world. In 1978, the mainland took the necessary military action against Vietnam, and despite the complexity of the war, it ultimately preserved the country's sovereignty and dignity.
Today, the Philippines seems to have failed to learn from history and continues to challenge the mainland's sovereignty in the South China Sea. However, the latest article in the People's Daily may herald a new turning point. The role of the United States in international affairs is also worth paying attention to, although they appeared tough in the Korean War and the Vietnam War, they also have their own bottom line and scruples.
The mainland has always maintained rationality and restraint in handling the South China Sea issue, but this does not mean that we will tolerate unwarranted provocations. The Philippines and the United States should face up to this and avoid falling victim to the international political game. In the future, we want to see peace and cooperation, not conflict and confrontation. Only in such an atmosphere can the South China Sea region truly achieve stability and prosperity.
At this point, I would like to say that history will not be forgotten, and neither will the future. We look forward to a peaceful and stable international environment, but at the same time we must be ready to defend our sovereignty and dignity. This is the right of every country, and it is also the goal that we are relentlessly pursuing. We look forward to working with other countries to maintain peace and stability in these waters. In this process, we will be cautious and firm in every step, not forgetting the original intention, and we will always have to.
In the face of the complexity of the South China Sea issue, the mainland's diplomatic strategy and military preparations have also shown flexibility and firmness. In the international arena, the mainland has always advocated the peaceful settlement of disputes and actively participated in multilateral dialogues with the aim of seeking solutions acceptable to all parties. However, we are also well aware that safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity brooks no mistakes, and this is the basic position of any sovereign state.
In this process, we cannot ignore the role and influence of the United States in the South China Sea. Although the United States is located on the other side of the Pacific Ocean, its position and actions on the South China Sea issue have always been a factor that cannot be ignored. The U.S. military presence and political influence in the region is both a challenge and an important part of the mainland's diplomatic strategy. While safeguarding its own interests, the mainland is also trying to avoid direct conflict with the United States and its allies and seeking to solve the problem through diplomatic means.
Domestically, public attention to the South China Sea issue is growing. There is a lot of discussion about the South China Sea on social media and in the news. This not only reflects people's concern for national sovereignty and security, but also demonstrates the participation of civil society in international affairs. The public's understanding and attitude towards the South China Sea issue have influenced the formulation and implementation of national policies to a certain extent. Therefore, the media should pay more attention to the accuracy and impartiality of information when reporting such incidents, and avoid misleading the public.
We cannot predict the specific development of the South China Sea in the future, but what is certain is that the mainland will continue to adhere to the path of peaceful development while firmly defending national sovereignty and interests. Whether through diplomatic negotiations or a demonstration of military strength when necessary, the mainland will regard national interests and regional stability as the highest criterion.
Under the framework of international law, the resolution of the South China Sea issue requires sincere cooperation and mutual respect among all parties. As a responsible major country, the mainland is willing to work with relevant countries to find solutions that balance the interests of all parties. Through dialogue and cooperation, we hope to achieve lasting peace and stability in the South China Sea.
In short, the South China Sea issue is not only a regional issue, but also a global issue related to international relations and regional security. In this pluralistic and complex international environment, the mainland will continue to project its image as a peaceful and responsible major country. Through cooperation and dialogue, we are confident that we can safeguard our own interests and contribute to regional peace and stability. This is a long-term and arduous task, but we firmly believe that with unremitting efforts, a peaceful and prosperous future is achievable.