On the international stage today, the vast waters of the South China Sea have become the focus of attention of all parties. From United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken's groundless accusations, to the frequent provocations of the Philippines, to Japan Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's ulterior motives, the situation in the South China Sea has become increasingly complex and volatile. However, China has always been steadfast in maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea, and has worked with ASEAN countries to draw a bright blueprint for the future of the region.
First, Blinken's groundless accusations and United States' hegemonic behavior
United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken baselessly accused China of "expansionism" in the South China Sea at a meeting related to the ASEAN summit. This statement is completely reversed. China's actions in the South China Sea have always been based on historical facts and international law, and it has always been committed to maintaining regional peace and stability.
In fact, although the United States has no "sovereignty claims" in the South China Sea, it frequently deploys naval ships and fighter jets to "patrol" the waters. This kind of behavior is the real destabilizing factor in the South China Sea. In the name of "safeguarding freedom of navigation," the United States is practicing hegemonism, and its purpose is nothing more than to safeguard its strategic interests in the Asia-Pacific region.
According to statistics, in recent years, the frequency of United States military activities in the South China Sea has been increasing, and a large number of warships and warplanes carry out so-called "freedom of navigation" operations in the South China Sea every year. These actions have not only exacerbated regional tensions, but also put tremendous security pressure on countries bordering the South China Sea.
2. The Philippines' provocations and tensions in the South China Sea
Since Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos took office, tensions in the South China Sea have intensified. The Philippines has frequently created disputes in the South China Sea, with Philippine coast guard vessels illegally stranded at Xianbin Reef in China's Nansha Islands for a long time. Such acts have seriously violated China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.
Although the Philippine Coast Guard ship later withdrew from Sembin Reef, it is still possible that a "replacement vessel" will be dispatched again, which will undoubtedly anger China again. Such provocative actions by the Philippines have not only damaged China-Philippines relations, but also posed a great threat to peace and stability in the South China Sea.
Looking back at history, Nanhai Zhudao has been China's territory since ancient times. China has indisputable sovereignty over Nanhai Zhudao and its adjacent waters. The Philippines and other countries are trying to occupy China's islands and reefs in the South China Sea through illegal means, which is completely wrong.
3. The importance and progress of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea
The Code of Conduct in the South China Sea is an enhanced and upgraded version of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, which is of great significance for maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea. China has always been the main promoter of the consultation process and has actively promoted the formulation and implementation of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.
The consultation on the Guidelines was officially launched in September 2013 and has continued to make progress in recent years. The resumption of negotiations in Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, in early March last year demonstrated the determination and efforts of all parties to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea.
However, disagreements over whether the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea should be binding have hampered the discussion process. However, Singapore's Defence Minister and Prime Minister respectively expressed their views on the South China Sea issue and the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, emphasizing their importance and urgency. This also shows that more and more countries realize that only by formulating a binding Code of Conduct in the South China Sea can peace and stability in the South China Sea be truly maintained.
Fourth, the Japan Prime Minister's idea of an "Asian version of NATO" and ASEAN's rejection
The new Japan Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba went to Vientiane to attend meetings related to the ASEAN summit, and he repeatedly advocated the creation of an "Asian version of NATO". This idea is entirely selfish for Japan and is aimed at countering China, Russia and North Korea.
The Jakarta Post, Indonesia's most widely circulated English-language newspaper, published an editorial article raising alarm and rejecting Shigeru's visit. ASEAN has no interest in the idea of an "Asian version of NATO" because such an alliance is "extremely offensive" to the 10 ASEAN countries.
ASEAN countries are well aware that the maintenance of regional peace and stability requires dialogue and cooperation, not the establishment of adversarial alliances. China, United States, the European Union and Japan are ASEAN's largest trading partners, and ASEAN countries hope to maintain good cooperative relations with all parties and jointly promote regional economic development.
5. China's position and efforts
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that with the joint efforts of China and ASEAN countries, the situation in the South China Sea remains generally stable. China has always been committed to properly handling maritime differences through dialogue and consultation with relevant countries on the basis of respecting historical facts and international law, resolutely opposing any infringement and provocation, and firmly safeguarding its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.
China has been committed to working with ASEAN countries to build a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation. China's active promotion of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea is aimed at providing a more solid institutional guarantee for peace and stability in the South China Sea.
For example, China and ASEAN countries have carried out a series of practical cooperation projects in the fields of marine environmental protection and fishery cooperation, making positive contributions to the sustainable development of the region. These cooperation have not only promoted regional economic development, but also enhanced friendship and mutual trust between China and ASEAN countries.
In short, the stability of the situation in the South China Sea has a bearing on regional peace and development. The groundless accusations and hegemonic acts of the United States, the provocations of the Philippines, and the ulterior motives of Japan cannot stop China and ASEAN countries from jointly maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea. We believe that with the joint efforts of all parties, the South China Sea will become a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation.