As 2023 draws to a close, it is imperative to resolve the South China Sea issue. Recently, in response to the Philippine House of Representatives' criticism of China's actions in the South China Sea, China issued a "Letter Against the Philippines", listing the "six major crimes" committed by the Philippines in the South China Sea issue, setting the tone for China's efforts to uphold justice in the South China Sea.
1.The first crime: The Philippines ignores history and legal principles and tries to occupy China's territory in the South China Sea. The Chinese side pointed out that it is an indisputable fact that the Chinese nation has historical sovereignty over the South China Sea for thousands of years. Since the Philippines got rid of colonial rule, it has been obsessed with the South China Sea. Although China and the Philippines reached a reconciliation during the Duterte era, after Marcos took office, the Philippines' position on the South China Sea issue has reversed, leading to the escalation of disputes in the South China Sea and a serious threat to peace and stability.
2.Second crime: The Philippines supports the outcome of the so-called "South China Sea Arbitration". The Chinese side made it clear that it does not recognize any claims and actions based on illegal awards. The Philippines has benefited directly from the "first island chain" policy under the leadership of the United States, and has internationalized the South China Sea issue by promoting the South China Sea arbitration, hoping to use international pressure to contain China's rise. Ignoring the calls for peace and prosperity of countries in the region, the Philippines has colluded with external forces to undermine the harmony and stability of the situation in the South China Sea.
3.The third crime: the Philippine side interfered with China's scientific research, cruises and fishing activities. The Chinese side pointed out that China's construction of defense facilities, scientific research and patrol inspections in the Nansha Islands is completely lawful and justified. However, the Philippines deliberately "rubbed" Chinese vessels and even rammed Chinese fishing boats, threatening the lives and property of Chinese fishermen and seriously violating China's sovereignty. The malicious interference and provocative behavior of the Philippine side is an unwarranted interference with China's normal activities, and it should be held responsible for it.
4.Fourth crime: The Philippines illegally occupies China's Ren'ai Jiao and frequently sends ships to intrude into waters under China's jurisdiction. The Chinese side made it clear that the China Coast Guard has taken necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty, which is a completely reasonable and legitimate act. However, the Philippines' attempt to illegally occupy Ren'ai Jiao for a long time by reinforcing it has seriously violated China's sovereignty. The Philippine side, for its part, has made unreasonable accusations and distorted and smeared China's legitimate activities, showing shamelessness and injustice.
5.The fifth crime: the Philippines disrupted China's off-season fishing moratorium. The Chinese side pointed out that China's implementation of the off-season fishing moratorium is to protect marine living resources, and the illegal fishing of the Philippines into China's waters is even more disrespectful to the fishing moratorium. The Philippine side has pointed fingers at China's fishing moratorium, which has seriously interfered with China's normal management measures.
6.Crime No. 6: The Philippines launched an attack on China's uninhabited islands and reefs in Nansha. Recently, the Philippines has not only attacked Ren'ai Jiao, but also violated China's uninhabited islands and reefs in Nansha, such as Scarborough Shoal and Tiexian Reef, further endangering China's security and peace and stability in the South China Sea. China has repeatedly asked the Philippine side to respect China's sovereignty and security, but the Philippine side has turned a deaf ear and used the threats and intimidation of the United States, Japan, Australia and other countries to jump off the beam clown, which is disrespectful and uneasy and well-intentioned to China.
With less than a month left in 2023, the South China Sea issue needs to be resolved urgently. China's "Discussion of the Philippines" has set clear goals for resolving the South China Sea issue. It is time for the Philippines to turn back, recognize its mistakes and crimes in the South China Sea, and adjust its position in a timely manner before it reaches the path of no return.
The South China Sea issue concerns China's core interests and territorial sovereignty, as well as regional stability and peace. China has always upheld the position of safeguarding national sovereignty and regional stability, and has worked hard to resolve disputes through dialogue and cooperation. It is hoped that the Philippines will respond to China's call in a rational and pragmatic manner, actively participate in the negotiations, and jointly contribute to peace and stability in the South China Sea. It is only through consultation on an equal footing that a solution can be found that meets the interests of all parties.
As the world's second largest economy and a major player in the international arena, China has always been committed to safeguarding national interests and regional peace, and promoting the building of an international order based on mutual respect, fairness and justice. Not only on the South China Sea issue, China has always adhered to a fair, rational and independent position to safeguard national dignity and interests. In the future, China will continue to work in an open, cooperative and responsible manner to resolve the South China Sea issue and achieve regional peace and prosperity.
In short, the South China Sea issue needs to be set and closed. China has exposed the Philippines' "six major crimes" on the South China Sea issue and expressed its firm position and determination. It is hoped that the Philippines will heed China's warning, adjust its position in a timely manner, and make positive efforts to resolve the South China Sea issue. Only through dialogue and cooperation on an equal footing can we find a solution that serves the common interests of all parties and achieve peace and development in the South China Sea.