China urges dialogue amid Manila's South China Sea provocations

Editor's note: Ruqiya Anwar, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is a PhD scholar of Media and Communication Studies in Pakistan. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

The South China Sea, a vital maritime region, has long served as a shared home for nations in the region, representing ideals of peace, friendship and cooperation. However, recent acts by certain countries have posed a danger to the stability and peace that China and other like-minded countries aspire to foster in this critical geopolitical area.

The Philippines, in particular, has emerged as a troublemaker, seemingly supported by the U.S., threatening China's sovereignty and engaging in provocative measures near Huangyan Island and Ren'ai Reef. This recent incident, along with the propagation of disinformation, raises concerns about potential implications for regional peace and stability.

China's undeniable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands and its surrounding waters is rooted in historical context and aligns with international law, including the United Nations Charter. Manila's activities not only contravene international law and the 1992 ASEAN Declaration on the South China Sea, but they also undermine China's territorial sovereignty and legitimate maritime rights and interests.

Motivated by selfish geopolitical goals, the United States has supported and assisted Manila's provocative moves in the South China Sea. Washington's contempt for the bilateral nature of maritime conflicts between China and the Philippines, along with threats referencing their Mutual Defense Treaty, increases tensions and violates the UN Charter.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning pointed out that the U.S. attempted to "endorse the Philippines' infringement of Chinese sovereignty and provocation." Despite being thousands of kilometers from the South China Sea, the U.S. has continually fueled disputes, misrepresented facts, and fueled conflict in the region.

Under the pretense of freedom of navigation, the United States has intensified its involvement in the South China Sea, as seen by its warship's unauthorized entry into waters near Ren'ai Reef. While China respects all nations' navigation and overflight rights in the South China Sea, it strongly opposes activities that undermine China's sovereignty and security in the name of freedom of navigation.

Notably, the peace and stability of the South China Sea are a collective responsibility shared by all peace-loving countries in the region. In reaction to the Philippines' provocations, China has expressed its concerns and suggested measures for managing and controlling the situation at Ren'ai Reef. China remains committed to sincere and goodwill-based communication with the Philippines in order to resolve concerns and navigate toward a peaceful resolution.

Now, the ball is in the Philippines' court to decide the course of action. As we underscore the importance of engagement and diplomatic resolutions, it is critical that all stakeholders prioritize the greater goal of sustaining South China Sea tranquility. The future of the region is dependent on constructive contributions rather than actions that rock the boat and jeopardize the shared vision of a sea marked by peace, friendship, and collaboration.

Recognizing the South China Sea as a strategic and historically significant region is critical. China has constantly acknowledged its historical ties to the Nansha Islands, and its sovereignty over these lands remains a non-negotiable part of its foreign policy.

Manila's recent provocations, particularly around Huangyan Island and Ren'ai Reef, cannot be separated from the broader geopolitical backdrop, especially given the United States' power. In its alignment with Washington, the Philippines has become an active participant in the U.S. plan to offset China's beneficial contribution in the region. The presence of the Philippine Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Romeo Brawner on a vessel attempting to supply construction materials to a grounded battleship on Ren'ai Reef exemplifies the deliberate escalation promoted by external forces.

The Philippines' attempts to criticize and defame China through disinformation campaigns exacerbate the matter even further. Falsification of facts not only undermines the credibility of Manila's assertions but also adds gasoline to the region's already boiling tensions. In the quest for regional peace and stability, all parties must adhere to the principles of truth and transparency, rejecting manipulative approaches that only serve to exacerbate tensions.

Despite the challenges and external pressures, China has repeatedly exhibited restraint and a willingness to engage in conversation in its dealings with Manila. The Chinese government has expressed its concern over the Philippines' repeated provocations, underlining the necessity of settling problems diplomatically. China's ideas for managing and controlling the situation at Ren'ai Reef demonstrate its commitment to finding peaceful solutions to the South China Sea concerns.

Manila's recent actions in the South China Sea represent a dangerous game that risks regional peace and stability. The collaboration between the Philippines and the United States in inflating the "China scare" favors their geopolitical goals but jeopardizes the region's fragile equilibrium. To avoid further escalation and find a peaceful settlement to the long-standing issues in the South China Sea, all parties involved must prioritize communication and diplomacy. The decisions made by the Philippines in the next few days will influence the future of regional dynamics, and the international community must work together to ensure that the South China Sea remains a sea of peace, friendship and collaboration.

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