China Condemns US, Allies' 'Coercive Behaviour' in South China Sea
Quick Look
- China's Foreign Ministry condemned "militarising and coercive behaviour" from the US and allies, calling it the "foremost challenge" in the South China Sea.
- A 14-nation coalition led by the US and Philippines reaffirmed commitment to a free Indo-Pacific, marking a decade since an tribunal invalidated most of Beijing's claims.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
China asserts 'historic rights' in the South China Sea, condemning perceived 'militarising and coercive behaviour' from the US and its allies.
In a strongly worded statement on Sunday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs asserted China’s “historic rights” while condemning “militarising and coercive behaviour” from the US and its allies as the “foremost challenge currently facing the South China Sea”.
“It is the continuous military deployments, reckless manoeuvres, and instigations by external powers like the United States that constitute the primary threat to regional stability,” the statement said.
“China will take decisive measures to defend its rights and interests in a reasonable, lawful, professional and restrained manner in response to infringements and provocations by relevant countries.”
Beijing also traded barbs with Tokyo over the matter in a separate statement, after a Japanese minister criticised its stance on the ruling.
Earlier on Sunday, a 14-nation coalition led by the United States and the Philippines issued a joint statement reaffirming their “unwavering commitment” to a rules-based, free and open Indo-Pacific, marking a decade since an international tribunal at The Hague invalidated most of Beijing’s South China Sea claims.
Other signatories to the statement included US allies such as Japan, Australia and Britain.
Open Questions
- What specific 'decisive measures' will China take?
- How will the US and its allies respond to China's assertions?
