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Chinese Foreign Minister urges countries outside the region not to stir up trouble in South China Sea

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Mar 07, 2024 12:53 PM

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday urged countries from outside the region to not stir up troubles in the South China Sea, as he vows to take justified actions to defend China's rights and respond with prompt and legitimate countermeasures.

Wang made the remarks at a press conference at the ongoing second session of the 14th National People's Congress, the country's top legislature.

The Chinese people have worked for generations in the South China Sea, and islands and reefs in the South China Sea have long been territories administered by the Chinese governments in accordance with law, Wang said.

Today's South China Sea is the world's busiest, safest and freest sea lane, as 50 percent of commercial ships with one third of maritime trade sail past the region without any disruptions or obstacles over decades, Wang said.

"In the current turbulent world, peace and stability in the South China Sea has been maintained thanks to the collective efforts of China and ASEAN member states, and the most important experience we have drawn is that we must adhere to two principles: first, differences should be properly managed and resolved through dialogue, consultation, or negotiation between states directly involved. Second, peace at the sea should be upheld by China and ASEAN member states working together," the foreign minister said.

On maritime disputes, China has maintained restraint, advocated seeking a solution that all sides can accept based on the spirit of good neighborliness and friendship as well as the respect on history and legal facts, Wang said.

"However, abusing our good will should not be allowed, and distorting maritime laws cannot be accepted. In face of deliberate infringements, we will take justified actions to defend our rights in accordance with the law. In face of unwarranted provocation, we will respond with prompt and legitimate countermeasures," Wang stressed.

"We urge countries from outside of the region to not stir up trouble, not to take sides, and not to become spoilers or perpetrator in the South China Sea," he said.

China is willing to work with ASEAN member states to strive for an early conclusion of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, and to ensure that the South China Sea remains a sea of peace and cooperation.