China Vows to ‘Crush’ Foreign Threats in the South China Sea
Summary
A senior Chinese military official has declared that China will fiercely defend its sovereignty in the South China Sea against foreign incursions, particularly from the United States. Lt. Gen. He Lei stressed the PLA’s readiness to respond to any threats, while also calling for diplomatic partnership and cooperation between the U.S. and China. The Xiangshan forum is a key gathering for discussing regional security among international military officials.
BEIJING: A prominent official from the Chinese military declared that China will decisively resist any foreign incursions into its sovereign territories, specifically in the South China Sea. In a statement made on Thursday, September 12, during a defense forum, Lieutenant-General He Lei expressed China’s desire for the region to maintain its status as a zone of peace. However, he cautioned that should the United States continue to manipulate other nations or position itself in a confrontational stance, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) would respond with uncompromising force. “We in the Chinese People’s Liberation Army will resolutely crush any foreign hostile encroachment on China’s territorial, sovereign and maritime rights and interests with firm determination, staunch will, strong capability and effective means,” he asserted. The dialogue between Washington and Beijing has recently become increasingly contentious, particularly in the context of China’s assertive behavior in contested maritime areas, including the South China Sea. Notably, there have been multiple confrontations between Chinese vessels and Filipino ships in these waters, despite an international court ruling that undermines China’s extensive territorial claims. Lieutenant-General He noted that the resolution of such tensions is heavily reliant on the actions of the United States. He acknowledged the upcoming attendance of U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Michael Chase at the Xiangshan forum in Beijing, urging him to heed the perspectives of China and its military. He expressed a desire for U.S.-China relations to evolve into a collaborative partnership, highlighting the necessity for both countries to contribute positively to regional and global stability. The Xiangshan forum, which serves as China’s counterpart to Singapore’s esteemed Shangri-La Dialogue, is drawing a significant attendance of over 500 delegates from more than 90 nations and international organizations. Official speeches are anticipated during the forum’s opening ceremony, with notable military leaders from various countries participating in discussions.
The South China Sea is a strategically vital and resource-rich area that has become a focal point of tension between China and several Southeast Asian nations, as well as with the United States. China asserts expansive territorial claims in the region, declared through its Nine-Dash Line, which conflict with claims from countries like the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. Despite an international ruling from The Hague in 2016 that refuted China’s claims, Beijing has continued to enhance its military presence and assertiveness in the area, leading to increased confrontations with foreign vessels. Diplomatic efforts to resolve these tensions have often been complicated by military maneuvers and geopolitical considerations, primarily involving the United States as a counterbalancing force against China’s influence.
In summary, the recent statements by Lt. Gen. He Lei emphasize China’s unwavering stance against foreign incursions in the South China Sea, underlining the PLA’s readiness to take decisive action against perceived threats. The ongoing tensions in the region are particularly linked to U.S. involvement, and Chinese officials advocate for a diplomatic partnership that promotes stability rather than confrontation. As global military representatives gather at the Xiangshan forum, the discourse surrounding these issues will likely shape future U.S.-China relations and regional security strategies.
Original Source: www.channelnewsasia.com
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