【Text by Observers Network, Chen Sijia】 Recently, the Philippine government has been frequently provoking in the South China Sea, and some external countries in the region, such as the United States, have attempted to intervene in the South China Sea affairs. According to a report by Associated Press on July 11, U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander Stephen Koehler claimed that the United States is committed to helping its allies safeguard so-called "freedom of navigation and rule of law in the Indo-Pacific," and "participate in combat when necessary."
On July 11, at a forum held in Manila, Philippines, Koehler slandered China's normal law enforcement and rights protection in the South China Sea, accusing China of implementing so-called "aggressive tactics" and "bullying strategies" in the region. He claimed that Southeast Asian countries "are not intimidated," and "the U.S. Pacific Fleet is ready to cooperate with you, strengthen deterrence, and show that no country can be forced."
According to Koehler, the United States through deterrence "prevents larger-scale conflicts and crises," and will continue to help allies safeguard so-called "freedom of navigation and rule of law in the Indo-Pacific," and "win in combat when necessary."
U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander Stephen Koehler, screenshot from video
Regarding the U.S. hype about the South China Sea issue, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson previously emphasized that there has never been any problem with freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea. China has always adhered to resolving differences with relevant countries through dialogue and consultation, and upholding the territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests according to law. The United States is the biggest factor in undermining peace and stability in the South China Sea.
The spokesperson stated that the Chinese side urges the U.S. to genuinely respect the efforts of regional countries to maintain peace and stability, stop intentionally undermining the peaceful and stable environment in the region, and stop inciting confrontation and escalating regional tensions.
In addition, the U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, MaryKay Carlson, at the forum on July 11, hyped the 2016 South China Sea Arbitration Case, falsely claiming that China "has taken coercive and aggressive actions." She boasted that if the Philippine military is attacked in the South China Sea, the United States has an obligation under the 1951 U.S.-Philippine Mutual Defense Treaty to protect the Philippines.
Philippine Foreign Minister Theresa Lazaro claimed that the Philippines will take action to "strengthen military and territorial defense." She added, "We continue to engage in dialogue and consultation with China, which is a strategic consideration, even amid tense situations that significantly affect bilateral relations."
Regarding the statements of U.S. officials such as Carlson, the spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines stated that China's position on the South China Sea Arbitration Case has always been consistent, clear, and firm. The South China Sea Arbitration Case is essentially a political farce disguised as legal proceedings.
The so-called temporary tribunal exceeded its jurisdiction, made biased rulings, and the ruling is illegal and invalid. China does not accept, nor participate in the arbitration, does not accept or recognize the so-called ruling, and certainly does not accept any claims and actions based on this ruling. China's sovereignty and rights in the South China Sea were formed through long-term historical practice, and have sufficient historical and legal basis, and are not affected by any illegal arbitration ruling under any circumstances.
The spokesperson emphasized that a few foreign envoys stationed in the Philippines, such as the U.S. ambassador to the Philippines, ignore the facts and distort the truth, and every year on the anniversary of the illegal ruling, they hype it up and create false narratives, trying to force China to accept the illegal ruling. This kind of behavior is destined to be futile, and China firmly opposes it.
The spokesperson said that under the joint efforts of China and ASEAN countries, the situation in the South China Sea is stable, and freedom of navigation and overflight is effectively guaranteed. China is working with ASEAN countries to accelerate negotiations and strive to reach the "Code of Conduct in the South China Sea" as soon as possible, building a new narrative of peace, cooperation, and friendship in the South China Sea. Any attempt to stir up trouble and incite disputes will end in failure.
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