Beijing rejects Spratly militarization accusations

From The Daily Tribune (Jan 28): Beijing rejects Spratly militarization accusations

China has downplayed claims that its words are not being matched by actions in the South China Sea as it has promised not to engage in militarization.

“China has already committed to not engage in the so-called militarization, and we will honor our commitment. We cannot accept the allegations that China’s words are not being matched by actions,” China Daily quoted Foreign Minister Wang Yi said as saying.

China is seen by other Spratly claimants, including the Philippines, as the biggest threat in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea).  

The official made the comments when addressing a joint press conference with visiting United States Secretary of State John Kerry following their prolonged talks — which lasted for nearly five hours — on the strategically vital South China Sea, where Beijing has built up artificial islands capable of hosting military facilities in disputed waters.

The dialog was delayed for around three hours, but Wang stressed they had a “positive, candid and constructive meeting.”

On the islands and reefs stationed by China in the South China Sea, he said Beijing has built up “quite a few civil facilities that are able to provide public services, and in addition to that, there are some necessary facilities for self-defense.”

 

“But international law has given all sovereign countries the rights of self-protection and self-defense,” Wang said.

“If one equates such rights to militarization, then the South China Sea may have been militarized long ago, and China may not be the first party to start the militarization,” he added.

On the South China Sea issue, Wang said he told Kerry that the South China Sea islands have been Chinese territory, and China has the right to protect its own territorial sovereignty and lawful and legitimate maritime rights and interests.

“At the same time, China is ready to uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea, be committed to managing differences through dialog and seeking a peaceful settlement of the disputes through negotiations and consultations,” he stressed.

It is important that the “two sides manage these sensitive issues in a constructive way so that they (the issues) will not detract from the overall interests of China-US cooperation,” the official said.

The official news agency Xinhua, meanwhile, issued a commentary blaming the US’ “meddling in the issue” which it said is an ill-considered move that could boomerang and escalate regional tensions.

Before visiting China, Kerry stopped in Laos — the 2016 chair of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) — and Cambodia, two important neighbors and trade partners of China.

“Kerry’s calculated decision to visit Laos and Cambodia demonstrates the US’ ulterior motives in counting on Asean to pressure China on the South China Sea issue, mere wishful thinking on the part of Kerry and Washington,” the editorial stated.

Although Washington says it supports a peaceful resolution, its actions — from criticizing Beijing’s construction activities on Chinese-owned islands to signing a military deal with the Philippines — only serve to undermine regional peace and stability, it added.

The Chinese government has repeatedly called on all related parties to solve any maritime dispute through negotiations and earnestly implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.

“Disputes in the South China Sea should not be of concern in a China-US relationship, one of the world’s most important. Together, the two countries play a significant role in safeguarding world peace and stability.”

“Therefore, it is highly advisable that Washington plays a constructive role in promoting peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, of which the United States is an important part, instead of sowing discord, because muddying the waters in the South China Sea could blow up in Washington’s face,” it stressed.      

http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/beijing-rejects-spratly-militarization-accusations