Liu Guangyuan

Opinion | China is committed to peace in South China Sea despite US provocations

China is safeguarding its territorial interests in the South China Sea while managing differences and addressing disputes in accordance with international law

Meanwhile, the United States is hyping the South China Sea issue and driving a wedge between nations in the region despite not being a party to the dispute

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The aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson and guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain transit the South China Sea on November 4. Photo: Handout

Liu Guangyuan

Published: 1:00am, 16 Feb 2022Updated: 2:31am, 16 Feb 2022

The South China Sea is among the safest, freest and busiest sea lanes in the world. China has made sustained efforts for peace and stability in the South China Sea and for smooth and safe navigation in the area.

By contrast, the United States is hyping the South China Sea issue and recently even put together a report to challenge China’s claims in the South China Sea. This has jeopardised China’s rights and interests and has hindered regional peace and development.

History cannot be altered. Chinese activities in the South China Sea date back more than 2,000 years. China discovered, named, exploited and developed the South China Sea islands and related waters before any other civilisation, and it was the earliest to exercise continuous and effective jurisdiction over them.

China’s sovereignty and rights and interests in the South China Sea have been formed over the long course of history. After World War II, the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Declaration led to the Chinese government reclaiming the Nansha and Xisha Islands that were occupied by Imperial Japan, representing an important part of the post-war international order.

During the past decades, China has firmly safeguarded its territorial sovereignty and maritime interests in the South China Sea. At the same time, it has been managing differences, addressing disputes, enhancing mutual trust and upholding peace and stability in the region through negotiations and consultations on the basis of respecting historical facts and in accordance with international law.

In recent years, China has maintained communication and dialogue with countries in the region for practical cooperation and peaceful development. In particular, it has worked with countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC). Notable progress has also been made on the code of conduct in the South China Sea through active consultations.