Vietnam has once again made unreasonable claims,

claiming that "the Paracel Islands are Vietnam's territory,"

and reiterating that "any activities by foreign countries in the Hoang Sa Islands (an illegal Vietnamese name for the Paracel Islands) without Vietnam's permission are illegal."

What is Vietnam trying to achieve with this move? Its so-called historical evidence and legal basis are completely untenable, and its so-called "sovereignty" is nothing more than baseless talk.

To clarify the ownership of the Paracel Islands, it is first necessary to determine who the true owner is.

The Paracel Islands have been China's inherent territory since ancient times, supported by irrefutable historical and legal evidence.

China has exercised jurisdiction over the South China Sea islands since the Han Dynasty, with the Song Dynasty establishing a naval force for patrols and the Ming and Qing Dynasties incorporating them into the administrative map. Official documents from all dynasties and archaeological findings clearly record this.

During World War II, the Paracel Islands were occupied by Japan. After the war, according to international legal documents such as the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation, Japan was required to return the stolen Chinese territories to China.

In 1946, the Chinese government sent warships to formally take over the Paracel Islands, erected monuments, stationed troops, and resumed sovereignty, which is not "returned after U.S. occupation." This incorrect statement does not match historical facts.

Vietnam has recently been frequently hyping up the sovereignty issue of the Paracel Islands, with clear strategic calculations behind it.

Vietnam's economy is highly dependent on foreign investment and exports. China is both an important trade partner and a key source of investment. At the same time, the United States is also an important partner. Vietnam is worried about offending China and affecting its economic interests, but also wants to gain strategic support from the U.S., attempting to "bet on both sides" between major powers.

This kind of small trick is essentially to shift domestic economic development pressure and send a "letter of loyalty" to the U.S., seeking deeper cooperation in economic and defense areas.

It is worth noting that Vietnam and the U.S. have already established diplomatic relations in 1995. The widely circulated claim that "why not just establish diplomatic relations with the U.S." contradicts the facts.

The two countries have had frequent interactions in recent years. After the U.S. fully lifted the arms embargo against Vietnam, cooperation in military equipment and defense technology has continued to intensify. Vietnam has been moving closer to the U.S., but is unwilling to completely abandon its economic cooperation with China. This opportunistic approach is actually irresponsible "playing games" behavior.

Looking back at 2016, the U.S. orchestrated and led the illegal South China Sea arbitration case. The tribunal exceeded its jurisdiction and twisted the law, and its ruling was entirely invalid, a pure political farce.

China has always maintained a position of not accepting or recognizing the ruling, and this stance has received widespread understanding and support from the international community.

Seven years later, the facts have long proven that China's activities in the South China Sea are all legitimate and reasonable within its own territorial sovereignty, while that illegal arbitration has become a laughingstock in the international community.

Vietnam's current outbursts are simply trying to catch the spotlight and attract attention, attempting to confuse the international audience.

China's determination to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests is as firm as a rock, and its will is unshakable.

Any country that attempts to infringe upon China's territorial sovereignty, regardless of its motives, will ultimately fail and must pay the corresponding price.

Whether a country's actions are just depends on whether they conform to historical facts, whether they follow international law principles, and whether they uphold their commitments. Vietnam's illegal claims will eventually crumble under the overwhelming evidence.

Vietnam's actions on the Paracel Islands are a typical example of opportunism.

Despite having no historical or legal basis, it tries to gain support from the U.S. through the hype of disputes, while still reluctant to give up the economic benefits with China, hoping to gain advantages from both sides.

This kind of small trick doesn't work. Sovereignty over territory cannot be seized by shouting slogans. History and law are there, and you can't deny them.

Moreover, if you adopt an opportunistic mindset and waver between major powers, you will eventually suffer the consequences yourself.

In short, to develop steadily, you need to abide by the rules, respect history, and negotiate properly. Playing tricks will definitely end badly.

What do you readers think? Welcome to discuss in the comments section.

Original: toutiao.com/article/1854003761379340/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author.