China has expressed its willingness to collaborate with ASEAN countries to enforce the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (SCS) and to ensure peace and stability in the region, according to the Chinese Embassy.
The embassy’s statement came in response to a call from United States Ambassador MaryKay Carlson for China to cease its harassment of Philippine vessels in Manila’s exclusive economic zone. The embassy reiterated that China’s stance on territorial issues in the region is consistent and in line with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
“We firmly safeguard our territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea,” the embassy stated. “Meanwhile, we stay committed to properly managing differences through dialogue and consultation with countries concerned, and would like to work with ASEAN countries to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, advance the consultation on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea to jointly safeguard peace and stability in the region.”
Recent Incidents and Tensions
Recently, a Philippine Navy sailor lost a thumb after China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels repeatedly rammed Philippine Navy rubber boats, preventing them from delivering food supplies and other necessities to the BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal. The CCG personnel were seen brandishing knives, an axe, and pointed sticks. Videos and photos released by the Philippine military showed that the hulls of the PN boats were slashed, and their navigational equipment was damaged by the Chinese.
Following the incident, the Philippine government issued a note verbale, with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. stating that the country should take further action beyond filing protests.
US Role in the Region
The Chinese Embassy also accused the US of exacerbating tensions for its own geopolitical interests. “When diplomatic efforts are being made by China and the Philippines to manage differences, the United States stokes the situation instead of promoting peace and facilitating talks. History and facts show that the United States has never been a solution but rather the problem itself,” the embassy claimed.
The embassy further criticized Washington’s selective application of international law and order, arguing that the US sends aircraft and warships to the South China Sea under the pretext of exercising freedom of navigation, aiming to ensure “freedom of rampage” for its own military forces rather than promoting regional peace and stability.