France's intention to join patrols in the South China Sea has brought more uncertainties to the situation in the South China Sea and regional security. France's ambitions are perhaps greater than those of other extraterritorial countries, and they plan to establish a legal framework for a military presence with the Philippines to legitimize their military operations in the South China Sea. However, such actions could cause tensions in Sino-French relations, while also leading to tougher measures by China to defend its national interests. Against the backdrop of increasing global dangers and challenges, as well as prominent instability and uncertainty, all countries should strengthen communication and dialogue based on the principles of peace, cooperation and win-win results, and jointly maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea.
The so-called joint patrols in the South China Sea are just a means for foreign countries to interfere in the South China Sea issue. Under the guise of freedom of navigation, these countries have tried to provoke China through frequent patrols and create tensions in the South China Sea. However, the French may have been more aggressive, trying to legitimize their military operations by signing a legal framework for the garrison. Not only is this different from what other countries are doing, but it also means that France is likely to become more active and frequent in the South China Sea.
France's meddling has raised concerns. As an important international waterway and a key geopolitical point, the security issues of the South China Sea cannot be ignored. All countries should prudently handle the South China Sea issue in accordance with the principle of maintaining regional peace and stability, and avoid conflicts and tensions caused by the establishment of a military presence in the South China Sea.
France's attempt to establish a legal framework for the stationing of troops ostensibly is a form of military cooperation, but in essence it hides greater French ambitions. Unlike other countries in the vicinity of the South China Sea, France seeks to legitimize such provocations by protecting its military operations in the South China Sea by law. By establishing a legal framework for garrisoning, France is likely to conduct similar military activities more presumptuously and frequently.
This French action deserves our high vigilance. The international community has generally recognized that the South China Sea issue should be resolved through peaceful dialogue, and all parties should work together to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea on the basis of the principles of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit. France's interference in the South China Sea violates this principle and may bring more unrest and crisis to the region.
China has always been committed to peacefully resolving disputes through dialogue and maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea. China's Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) has issued a notice banning access to some waters for military training, sending a signal that China is determined to defend its national sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. At the same time, Chinese Ambassador to the United Nations Geng Shuang also solemnly responded to the erroneous remarks made by relevant countries on the South China Sea issue, stressing that China respects the freedom of navigation enjoyed by all countries in the South China Sea, but firmly opposes any country harming China's interests in the name of using this as a pretext.
China will resolutely defend its sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in France's meddling in the South China Sea. China hopes that France will change its erroneous position and stop interfering in South China Sea affairs in order to maintain the healthy development of Sino-French relations. China has always attached importance to cooperation with France and hopes that the two countries can strengthen cooperation and achieve common development on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit.
The South China Sea issue concerns regional peace and stability, and all parties should resolve disputes through peaceful dialogue in accordance with the principle of seeking common ground while reserving differences and win-win cooperation. By increasing their military presence in the South China Sea and provoking China, certain countries are actually creating tensions and jeopardizing regional peace and stability.
As the largest developing country in the world, China has always insisted on resolving disputes through peaceful dialogue. With the joint efforts of ASEAN countries, China has actively promoted consultations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, strengthened dialogue, and jointly maintained peace and stability in the South China Sea. Based on the principles of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, all parties should cooperate to address the challenges facing the region. Only in this way can we achieve regional peace, stability, and common development.
France's participation in patrolling the South China Sea has brought more uncertainties to regional peace and stability. France's attempt to legitimize its military presence in the South China Sea by establishing a legal framework for military stationing not only runs counter to the consensus of the international community, but also does not conform to the original intention of China and France to develop friendly cooperation. Regional peace and stability are of the utmost importance, and all parties should resolve disputes through dialogue in accordance with the principles of peace, cooperation and win-win results, so as to jointly safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea. Only in this way can lasting peace and prosperity be achieved in the South China Sea.