Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi

Chinese Foreign Minister Rejects Philippine, Japanese, U.S. Claims on South China Sea

China – During the Association of the Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) Regional Forum (ARF), Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi made clear China’s stance that they refuse the claims of the Philippines, Japan, and U.S. on the South China Sea. He stated also that the condition in the South China sea is stable, and the possibility of a major inconsistency simply doesn’t exist, so therefore, China is against any negative words and deeds that overstate differences and stand-off , or even rising tensions among other region. And lastly, he said that China is willing to work together with other parties in keeping freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said, in the late 1970’s some countries began to invade and occupy islands and reefs following reports on oil reserves in the South China Sea which  infringing the legal rights and interests of China. And according to some international laws, China is entitled to protect its own sovereignty, rights and interests and to make sure that the illegal actions infringing China’s legal rights and interests wouldn’t happen again.

Mr. Wang Yi also stated that after 1970, the Philippines started illegally occupy eight islands and reefs in China’s Nansha Islands through four military operations. That is how the territorial disputes arose between China and the Philippines.

To maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea, China propose a standard friendly mechanism to resolve the disputed area through negotiation and consultation on the basis of respect for historical facts and international laws, which also includes the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

1. Dual-track approach, which indicates that relevant disputes should be addressed by countries directly concerned through friendly consultation and negotiation.
2. Implementation of DOC and consultation on formulating the Code of conduct in the South China Sea (COC).
3. China has offered to discuss and formulate preventive measures for maritime risk control to provide a new platform for the discussion of proposals and ideas raised by the relevant parties.