Foreign Ministry Responds to Hype Surrounding Joint Patrol in the South China Sea by the Philippines, the United States, and Australia
Lin Jian stated that recently, the Philippines, the United States, and Australia conducted a joint maritime and air patrol in the South China Sea and hyped it up extensively. China firmly opposes this. The situation in the South China Sea remains overall stable, and countries legally enjoy navigation and overflight freedoms without any problems. Countries conducting activities in the South China Sea should abide by international law and the spirit of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, refraining from targeting third countries or endangering regional peace and stability.
The Philippines has violated international law and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, frequently provoking incidents at sea through infringement and mischief-making, soliciting cooperation with extra-regional forces to stir trouble in the South China Sea, showing off military power, and willingly serving as a pawn, ultimately reaping what they have sown.
Lin Jian emphasized that extra-regional countries like the United States constantly form small cliques in the South China Sea, using cooperation as a guise for confrontation, displaying muscle under the pretext of freedom, and creating chaos in the name of order. They are the greatest risk source for undermining peace and stability in the South China Sea. China consistently resolutely defends its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and steadfastly maintains peace and stability in the South China Sea alongside regional countries. China advises relevant countries to stop forming cliques and causing trouble in the South China Sea, and cease actions that damage peace and stability.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1831549314745673/
Disclaimer: This article solely represents the author's personal views.