BEIJING: The United States is becoming the biggest driver of militarization of the South China Sea and the most dangerous factor damaging peace in the area, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Wednesday.
Wang made the remarks while attending the 10th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting via video link.
He said that the United States has directly intervened in territorial and maritime disputes in the region out of its own political needs, constantly flaunting its force and strengthening its military deployment.
“The United States is becoming the biggest driver of militarization of the South China Sea,” he said.
The United States has interfered with the efforts of China and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries to resolve disputes through consultation, as well as provoking confrontation between countries in the region. “The United States is becoming the most dangerous factor damaging peace in the South China Sea,” said Wang.
“Peace and stability are China’s greatest strategic interest in the South China Sea,” Wang said, adding that it is also the common strategic aspiration of China and ASEAN countries.
“China hopes that countries outside the region, including the United States, will fully respect the wishes and expectations of countries in the region, instead of creating tension and seeking profit from it.”
Wang stated three fundamental facts in response to smears made by the U.S. on China’s position on the South China Sea issue.
First, China has sufficient historical and legal basis for sovereignty over the islands in the South China Sea.
Second, China always adheres to the policy of good-neighborliness and friendship and has been committed to playing a constructive role on the South China Sea issue.
Third, China has always been committed to complying with international laws including the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Law of the Sea. – Agencies
