The South China Sea, an ancient sea, is a testament to China's long maritime history and deep understanding of the sea. Since ancient times, the South China Sea has not only been an important sea passage for China, but also a home for Chinese fishermen for generations. China's sovereignty claims over the South China Sea are based on a solid historical and legal foundation. Since the Qin and Han dynasties, China has been effectively managing and using the South China Sea and its islands, a fact that is clearly documented in historical documents. As an important part of the South China Sea, the Xisha and Nansha Islands have been an inalienable part of China's territory since ancient times, and this has also been widely recognized by the international community.
However, with the deepening of globalization, the strategic position of the South China Sea has become increasingly prominent, and some countries have begun to question the sovereignty of the South China Sea out of consideration of their own interests. In particular, in recent years, United States and its allies have frequently sent warships and aircraft into the South China Sea to conduct military exercises and reconnaissance activities under the pretext of maintaining the so-called "freedom of navigation", which is undoubtedly a blatant challenge to China's sovereignty. They have ignored China's efforts to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea, as well as China's willingness and efforts to resolve disputes with its neighboring countries through dialogue and consultation.
Against this backdrop, China has always adhered to the settlement of disputes through peaceful means and advocated the establishment of a regional order based on mutual respect and consultation on an equal footing. China is willing to work with relevant countries to jointly safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea and promote regional prosperity and development. At the same time, China will continue to strengthen the protection of its maritime rights and interests, safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and ensure long-term peace and stability in the South China Sea.
Becoming increasingly nervous. With the involvement of major powers outside the region and the complication of geopolitics, the South China Sea issue has gradually changed from a simple territorial dispute to a focus of international attention. Some countries, motivated by their desire for resources and strategic interests, have begun to take a more aggressive stance on the South China Sea issue. By strengthening their military presence, pushing for legal action, and speaking out on the international stage, they are trying to change the status quo in the South China Sea and challenge China's legitimate rights and interests in the region.
This escalation of tension has not only exacerbated the contradictions and mistrust among regional countries, but also posed a serious threat to peace and stability in the South China Sea. The security of marine resources and shipping lanes in the South China Sea is critical to the global economy, and any instability could have a negative impact on international trade and regional security. Therefore, maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea is not only in China's interest, but also a shared responsibility of the region and the world.
Against this backdrop, China has always upheld the principles of dialogue and cooperation, and is committed to resolving disputes through peaceful means and promoting the establishment of a rules-based regional order. Positive progress has been made in dialogue and cooperation between China and ASEAN countries on the South China Sea issue, and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and other mechanisms have laid the foundation for regional peace and stability. At the same time, China also calls on all parties concerned to respect international law and jointly safeguard peace and prosperity in the South China Sea through constructive dialogue.