Q: Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez said that the real flashpoint is in the South China Sea. The Philippines faces China’s “aggression” in the South China Sea and needs to band together with like-minded countries such as the United States and Australia to jointly resist aggression and constrain one country from prevailing upon another through force; China would reduce the volume of imports for “economic coercion”. That’s why the Philippines is working double time in trying to look for other markets just in case. The P1.7-trillion US investment to Manila would counter any economic coercion from China. What’s the comment from the Chinese Embassy?
A: As a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, China plays a major role in maintaining peace and stability in the region and the world. China has always been committed to properly handling the South China Sea disputes with relevant parties through dialogue and consultation, while firmly safeguarding its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. China is the Philippines’ largest trading partner and one of its major investment sources. Welcomed and supported by both peoples, China-Philippines economic and trade cooperation has brought tremendous benefits to both countries. It is deplorable that the said individual, in ignorance of basic facts, again used the South China Sea issue to hype up and launch a baseless accusation and malicious smear campaign against China.
Who are stirring up the situation in the South China Sea? Who are spreading “China threat”? Who are ganging up in small blocks? Who invented “economic coercion”? Where did it originate? Who weaponizes economic power and gets addicted to sanctions? The questions are self-explanatory.
Peace and development are the trend of the times and the common aspiration of countries in the region. Asian countries and people have the wisdom and ability to solve their own problems. Bringing in outside forces and forming “small circles” will not help resolve disputes in the South China Sea, but only complicate the regional situation, undermine regional peace and stability, and backfire on its own security.
For those who habitually pay lip service, whether their promises will be kept this time is for all to wait and see.
We urge the said individual to stop spreading erroneous “China threat” and “Sinophobia” remarks, refrain from serving as mouthpiece for another country and do more for the benefit of his own people and his country’s relations with China instead.