Seize chance to win S.China Sea peace

Source:Global Times Published: 2013-5-3 23:58:01

 

The sixth-generation semi-submersible CNOOC 981 is seen in the South China Sea, 320 kilometers southeast of Hong Kong. This is the first deep-water drilling rig developed in China. It will begin operations tomorrow in a sea area at a water depth of 1,500 meters, China National Offshore Oil Corp (CNOOC) said Monday. Photo: Xinhua
The sixth-generation semi-submersible CNOOC 981 is seen in the South China Sea, 320 kilometers southeast of Hong Kong. This is the first deep-water drilling rig developed in China. It will begin operations tomorrow in a sea area at a water depth of 1,500 meters, China National Offshore Oil Corp (CNOOC) said Monday. Photo: Xinhua



 Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reiterated Beijing's stance on the South China Sea Thursday in Jakarta, saying that China, while being cautious against individual forces and countries, will do its best to work with ASEAN countries to develop the waters into a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation.

His remarks have been interpreted as a sign of the sustainability of Beijing's South China Sea policy.

In recent months, the region's common wish for peace, friendship and cooperation seems to have been overwhelmed by spats and friction. The coexistence of such wishes and the clash between different interests will shape the geopolitical landscape of the South China Sea.

In other regions of the world, most disputes concerning maritime demarcation were solved long ago through wars.

On the South China Sea issue, China, as the leading power in the region, insists on a peaceful solution to the disputes, a stance generally embraced by other claimants.

However, this fact often seems to be ignored.

This is set to be a long, complicated path. Some related regional players may have the impulse to get the problem solved quickly, whereas external powers are also meddling in the waters to pursue their own interests. All these factors have dimmed people's expectations for a solution to the South China Sea issue.

Among the related claimants of the South China Sea, the Philippines and Vietnam have the most friction with China. No matter what deliberate considerations the two countries harbor, they should maintain a cool-headed strategic judgment that China's proposal to solve the disputes through peaceful negotiations is the foundation of peace and stability in the region. This also fits the fundamental interests of the two countries.

Moreover, dragging in external forces to stir up the regional situation will not create advantages for Manila and Hanoi. More tension in the region only means more losses for the two countries.

External powers have nothing to lose in the South China Sea. They may come or leave as they wish. But for countries in this region, they have to experience these vicissitudes together. They are rivals over territorial disputes, but they are also bound together.

The Philippines and Vietnam must cooperate with China to restart the friendly interaction between countries in this area.

It is easy to show verbal toughness, but pernicious consequences can gradually accumulate.

China's foreign minister has already stressed Beijing's stance of kindness. We hope Manila and Hanoi will see this as an opportunity to improve the strategic atmosphere in this region.



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