Recently, we learned that ASEAN member states plan to hold an unprecedented joint military exercise in the South China Sea from September 18 to 25 next month. The location is located in the South Natuna Sea in Indonesia, at its southernmost point. The launch of this plan may be closely related to the current rising tensions in the South China Sea.
It is reported that the participants in the 20th ASEAN Defense Command meeting have reached a consensus and decided to conduct a joint military Xi in the South China Sea. Indonesia, the newly elected chair of ASEAN, said the military exercise will Xi run from September 18 to 25 in the waters off Indonesia's South Natuna Islands.
According to the Indonesian military, the joint exercise with the participation of 10 ASEAN member states is the first of its kind and objectively reflects the current tense situation in the South China Sea. While there have been expressions of willingness to participate, some experts said Cambodia and Myanmar may not be involved because of their close ties with China.
Behind this military exercise, we seem to be able to feel the subtle influence of the United States. Recently, the United States has paid special attention to the issue of territorial disputes in the South China Sea, and has had different views with many ASEAN countries on this issue. This tense atmosphere has undoubtedly become the main driving force for the 10 ASEAN countries to jointly launch military exercises.
Indonesia reiterated that this is the first time that the ASEAN joint military exercise has been held, which aims to deepen military cooperation among countries and enhance their ability to jointly respond to the dynamic situation in the South China Sea.
Since ancient times, China has been a great civilization based on the sea, and not only has the wisdom of labor already appeared in the 2000 years ago, but it is also one of the earliest ancient civilizations to record marine activities in detail. According to the current global guidelines, the mainland has clearly set a "nine-dash line" in the southern part of the South China Sea, which accounts for about 90% of the total area, and its sovereignty and jurisdiction are recognized and enjoyed in accordance with the law.
Unfortunately, the disputed islands and fishing grounds of several Southeast Asian countries are close to their coastlines, leading to related sovereignty disputes. It is true that the mainland navy has always upheld the principle of facing up to sovereignty, but in view of the vast scope of the mainland's seas, it is inevitable that it will still face the challenge of illegal invasion by other countries in some areas.
Over the past few decades, adhering to the concept of "shelving disputes and seeking common development", the mainland has actively explored disputed areas with Southeast Asian countries and shared the benefits and fruits obtained during this period. This positive attitude has been widely praised and affirmed by Southeast Asian countries. I firmly believe that working together is better than conflict.
According to industry experts, "the 'ASEAN joint military exercise' comes on the heels of recent tensions between China and the United States over the South China Sea, and the United States has used it to introduce this topic in an attempt to create distraction and take the opportunity to increase its troops." ”
Recently, ASEAN is preparing for joint military Xi in the South China Sea. This action has aroused heated discussions among the broad masses of the people in China, and we should guard against possible intervention and pressure from external forces, especially the United States. However, based on our confidence in our own strength, we have the courage to face various challenges and threats. As one of the 10 ASEAN countries, I believe that ASEAN will handle any issue in a responsible and prudent manner, and will never take measures that are detrimental to its own interests and those of other parties inside and outside the region, let alone undermine the friendly relations between China and the United States.
The joint military Xi held by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the South China Sea has effectively strengthened military cooperation among all parties and actively responded to the current situation in the South China Sea. It also highlights the key U.S. influence in the region. However, China, which has strong strength and a rich partner base, expects ASEAN to give full consideration to friendly and cooperative relations with the mainland and avoid being used by other countries.
Readers are invited to share their insights on the ASEAN joint military exercise and discuss its far-reaching implications in the field of regional and global security.