In a recent diplomatic exchange, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China called on the U.S. to stop stirring conflict in the South China Sea and allow peace and stability to prevail. The comments come after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed support for the Philippines in opposing China's plan to set up a national nature reserve on Huangyan Dao.
Spokesperson Lin Jian said at a briefing that China has "serious protests" over the U.S. remarks and emphasized that Huangyan Dao is an inherent territory of China. She stressed the reserve falls squarely within China's sovereignty and is therefore "reasonable, lawful and beyond criticism."
According to Lin, the South China Sea remains generally stable thanks to joint efforts between China and ASEAN members. "The U.S., not a party to the issue, has repeatedly interfered, courting certain countries to create conflicts and escalate tensions," Lin added.
Lin also dismissed the so-called arbitration on the South China Sea as a political farce orchestrated by the U.S., calling the ruling illegal, invalid, and non-binding. "It is quite clear who upholds the international rule of law as well as peace and stability in the South China Sea, and who is the destroyer and troublemaker," she said.
Looking ahead, China will continue working with ASEAN members to fully implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, advance consultations on a code of conduct, and transform the waters into "a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation," Lin concluded.
Reference(s):
China urges U.S. to stop sowing discord, antagonism in South China Sea
cgtn.com
