China not grabbing territories, only upholding 'legitimate rights,' says exec

From InterAksyon (Jan 1): China not grabbing territories, only upholding 'legitimate rights,' says exec

Not grabbing but upholding its legimate right to what it owns. This was how Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Zhijun explained China's actions over territories in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea) that are also being claimed by other Asian countries including the Philippines. "Some people have described China's actions to uphold legitimate national interests as being 'assertive.' They have even portrayed China as a threat. I am afraid they either harbor ulterior motives or are ill-informed. China will stay committed to the path of peaceful development," said Zhang in a speech he delivered at the recent Eighth Lanting Forum of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bejing, with the theme "China's Diplomacy in a Changing World." 

"At the same time, China will firmly uphold its sovereignty, security and development interests. These two are not contradictory. What China upholds is its own legitimate rights and interests. It guards over what has always been its own. It has no intention to grab from others," he added.

Zhang acknowledged the existence of what he said were "prolonged disputes over issues of territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in Asia." He said the dispute could be "properly resolved and managed by countries concerned through dialogue and negotiation with full respect to historical facts and the international law." To prevent the tension from escalating, Zhang said "the interests of regional peace and stability should be served."  And while the problem is not yet fully settled, "relevant parties should refrain from taking actions that may expand or complicate the disputes," according to Zhang.

He said the dispute in the South China Sea "should be resolved by countries directly concerned through dialogue and consultation." Pending resolution, Zhang said "China believes that the proposal put forward by Mr. Deng Xiaoping of shelving differences and conducting joint development may still well be a practical approach to tackle this difficult issue."

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/51702/china-not-grabbing-territories-only-upholding-legitimate-rights-says-exec