Fiery Cross Island, the Dinghai Shenshen of the South China Sea, has undergone 36 years of actual control and 8 years of reclamation construction, and now has a large airport, radar facilities, cinemas, sports venues and other infrastructure. However, the story behind it is an arduous journey. The South China Sea Islands have been China's territory since ancient times, and although they are far from Chinese mainland, this does not mean that we have given up our sovereignty over them. Chinese fishermen have been fishing in the South China Sea since ancient times, which is our historic contribution to the region.
However, after the founding of the People's Republic of China, China's navy was relatively weak at that time and could not actually control the islands in the South China Sea, giving other countries the opportunity to illegally occupy them. In order to recover the Spratly Islands, China began to make a cautious layout and adopt the method of peaceful occupation. However, when confronted with acts that threaten our national interests, we will never relent, and we will resolutely fight back. So, in 1988, the Battle of Chigua Reef broke out. Our soldiers fought back and finally succeeded in sinking 2 Vietnamese ships, seriously wounding 1 ship, killing and wounding more than 300 people, and taking 40 prisoners.
Subsequently, we regained six islands in the Spratly Islands, and the soldiers also established their positions there. The first reef guards stationed at Fiery Cross Reef faced extremely difficult conditions. However, they made great efforts in the construction of Fiery Cross Island, reclaiming more than 8,000 square meters of land and building a two-story building of more than 1,000 square meters, which greatly improved the living conditions of the soldiers.
Today, Fiery Cross Island has become an important stronghold in the South China Sea, with not only advanced military facilities, but also various cultural and entertainment facilities, providing a better living environment for the reef guards. However, the transformation of Fiery Cross Island is only the beginning of the construction of the islands under the actual control of Nansha. China's construction on the Spratly Islands still faces many difficulties and challenges. We need to overcome the complex and ever-changing environment of the sea, as well as the constraints of human and material resources. In the face of these difficulties, we must not retreat, let alone give up.
The Nansha Islands are China's sacred territory, and we have the responsibility and obligation to protect and defend them. In order to better promote the construction of Nansha Islands, we should strengthen international cooperation and actively participate in the governance and cooperation of the South China Sea to achieve common development and common prosperity. At the same time, we also need to strengthen domestic publicity and education so that more people can understand the importance of the Spratly Islands and our efforts. Only through the joint efforts of all of us can the Nansha Islands truly become the anchor of the South China Sea and safeguard our national interests and territorial integrity.
The transformation of Fiery Cross Island is only the beginning of the construction of the islands under the actual control of Nansha. Behind it is more than you can imagine. The Nansha Islands have been China's territory since ancient times, and although they are far from Chinese mainland, they do not represent sovereignty. Chinese fishermen have been fishing in this area since ancient times. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, the army was strong and the navy was weak, and it had no actual control over the islands in the South China Sea, giving the South China Sea countries the opportunity to illegally occupy them. In order to recover the Nansha Islands, China began to lay out the recovery of the Nansha Islands and adopted the method of peaceful occupation.
However, in the face of acts that threaten our country, our country will not be relentless and will resolutely fight back. So in 1988, the Battle of Chigua Reef broke out, and our soldiers fought back, and finally sank 2 Vietnamese ships, seriously injured 1 ship, killed and wounded more than 300 people, and captured 40 people. Subsequently, China recovered the six islands in Nansha, and the soldiers also had a foothold in Nansha.
The first group of reef guards stationed at Fiery Cross Reef faced difficult conditions, but they made great efforts in the construction of Fiery Cross Island, reclaiming more than 8,000 square meters of land and building more than 1,000 square meters of two-story buildings, which greatly improved the living conditions of the soldiers. The South China Sea, China's horn of power, is a vast and mysterious sea area that contains endless treasures and opportunities. Today, China has succeeded in expanding the size of islands and reefs in the South China Sea by blowing sand to create islands, one of the most iconic of which is Fiery Cross Island.
After 8 years of construction, Fiery Cross Island has become the most beautiful island with lush greenery, with various living facilities such as tall buildings, airports, hospitals, and supermarkets, and has achieved basic self-sufficiency. The promotion of cold chain supply and vegetable cultivation on the island has not only improved vegetables**, but also improved the quality of life of the island's residents. Now, the island's vegetables can basically meet the needs of the residents, and they no longer rely on the outside world. This is undoubtedly a big breakthrough for an isolated island far from the mainland.
In addition to Fiery Cross Island, there are also large military bases on the three largest islands, Subi Island and Mischief Island, forming a horn for China in the Spratly region. These military bases not only play a defensive role, but also monitor almost the entire airspace of the Spratlys, and the missile coverage can reach the entire South China Sea. In doing so, China has effectively strengthened its defense capabilities in the Spratly region and ensured its own interests in the South China Sea. However, the geopolitical situation in the South China Sea has been in the spotlight.
Many countries have developed a greedy eye for the resources and shipping safety of the South China Sea, and have flocked to the South China Sea region to try to get a piece of the pie. Faced with this situation, China must remain highly vigilant and resolutely defend its territorial and maritime rights and interests. Disputes in the South China Sea focus on the ownership of the islands. China claims sovereignty over the Spratly Islands, but some countries have tried to infringe on China's territorial sovereignty. This poses a great threat to stability and peace in the South China Sea. As a result, China has had to take action to defend its interests.
China** has always been committed to resolving disputes in the South China Sea through diplomatic means, and adheres to the principles of peaceful development and mutual benefit. China has put forward a "dual-track approach", that is, to resolve disputes through consultations and consultations with relevant countries, while strengthening cooperation and development in the South China Sea. This idea has been recognized and supported by more and more countries. In addition to diplomacy, China has also strengthened its military defense capabilities in the Spratlys. By building military bases on the islands and deploying radar and missile systems, China is able to fully monitor the Spratly region and effectively defend against any potential threats.
This is essential for maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea. However, the South China Sea still faces many challenges. On the one hand, disputes in the South China Sea still exist, and contradictions between countries are difficult to resolve. On the other hand, issues such as climate change and marine pollution have also posed serious threats to the ecological environment of the South China Sea. These problems need to be solved through cooperation among all countries. As a maritime area with abundant resources and strategic position, the importance of the South China Sea is self-evident. As a sovereign state in the South China Sea, China has the responsibility to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea.
China will continue to resolve disputes through diplomatic means, strengthen cooperation with relevant countries, and promote common development in the South China Sea. The South China Sea, China's horn momentum, will continue to play an important role. We believe that through China's unremitting efforts and the joint efforts of all countries, the South China Sea region will be able to achieve long-term stability and prosperity. Let's look forward to a bright future in the South China Sea!