Original title: The United States issued a statement on the 5th anniversary of the so-called ruling in the South China Sea arbitration case.
In this regard, Zhao Lijian said: “The U.S. statement disregards the historical and objective facts of the South China Sea issue, violates and distorts international law, violates the U.S. government’s long-standing public commitment on the South China Sea sovereignty issue, and deliberately provokes disputes over territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea. It is extremely irresponsible for regional countries’ relations to undermine regional peace and stability.” China expresses its strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to the wrong actions of the United States. I would like to emphasize the following points:
First, China’s sovereignty and rights and interests in the South China Sea were formed in a long historical process, with sufficient historical and legal basis, and were upheld by successive Chinese governments. Until the early 1970s, no country had objected to China’s above-mentioned position. The US claim that China’s maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea lack a basis in international law is completely inconsistent with facts.
Second, the South China Sea arbitration case violated“Country agrees”In principle, the arbitral tribunal tried ultra vires and violated the law in rulings. There were serious errors in the determination of facts and the application of law, which violated the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.》The ruling made by international law is illegal and invalid, and it is a piece of waste paper. China does not accept non-participation in the arbitration case and does not accept or recognize the award. China’s sovereignty and rights in the South China Sea are not affected by the ruling, and China does not accept any claims or actions based on the ruling. The discerning person can see very clearly that the South China Sea arbitration case is a political farce. As the initiator and behind the farce, the United States tried to smear and suppress China. The U.S. once again hyped the South China Sea issue on the fifth anniversary of the illegal ruling, and its political intent was clearly revealed.
Third, China has always insisted on resolving the South China Sea issues through friendly negotiations and consultations, has always treated the neighboring countries in the South China Sea equally, and has maintained the utmost restraint in safeguarding the sovereignty and rights and interests of the South China Sea. In contrast, the United States frequently sends large-scale advanced warships and planes to the South China Sea to conduct military reconnaissance exercises and illegally break into China’s territorial waters, airspace, and adjacent seas and airspaces of islands and reefs. Since the beginning of this year, the U.S. has conducted nearly 2,000 reconnaissances on China’s sea and air arrivals, and has conducted more than 20 large-scale naval exercises against China. The U.S. has also abused bilateral military agreements with a Cold War color, exposing the naked power logic and the use of force against China. Acts of hegemony.Who on earth did “coercion and intimidation in the South China Sea””, And who is “threatening the freedom and safety of navigation”，The truth speaks for itself.
Fourth, China is a staunch defender and practitioner of the international rule of law.As the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea》The founding parties have always adhered to the correct understanding and conscientiously implemented the “Convention”》, Defend with practical actionsThe Convention》Authority and integrity.The U.S. often calls itself “a defender of international law”, and it must be saidUnited Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea》, Frequently takeThe Convention》To talk about it, please join the United States firstThe Convention》Besides, the U.S. insists on “rules-based order”However, they refuse to implement the advisory opinions of the International Court of Justice and the UN General Assembly resolutions. They apply international law and international rules together, and discard them if they don’t. This pragmatism, egoism, and double standards have long been exposed to the world.
Fifth, the South China Sea is one of the busiest sea passages in the world, and it is also the lifeline of China’s maritime trade. About 30% of the global trade in goods passes through the South China Sea, and about 100,000 merchant ships sail through the South China Sea every year. With the joint efforts of countries in the region, including China, the South China Sea has been kept open and safe for some time. No ships have been heard. Navigation in the South China Sea is blocked and safety is threatened. The US claim that “the freedom of navigation in the South China Sea is threatened” is simply untenable.
Sixth, the South China Sea is the common home of regional countries and should not be a hunting ground for the United States to pursue geopolitical self-interest.Through dialogue and consultation, China and the countries involved in the South China Sea have effectively managed and controlled conflicts and differences, and continuously promoted pragmatic cooperation. China and ASEAN countries have fully and effectively implemented the “Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea”》, Actively promote the “South China Sea Code of Conduct”Significant progress has been made in the consultations. The United States and other countries outside the region should respect the efforts of countries in the region to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea.
Zhao Lijian pointed out that China urges the United States to stop abusing international law, stop using force or threats of force, stop provoking trouble in the South China Sea, and abide by the United Nations Charter.》As the core international law, respect China’s sovereignty and rights in the South China Sea, and don’t go further and further down the wrong path. China will continue to resolutely safeguard its sovereignty, rights and security in accordance with the law, resolutely maintain friendly and cooperative relations with countries in the region, and resolutely maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea. (CCTV reporter Zhao Jing and Yang Yi)
(Edited by Li Jiayi)
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