From Chinese Press

Is US Making trouble or keeping peace in S China Sea?

(People's Daily Online)
Updated: 2010-08-20 15:50

In his thought-provoking speech on the South China Sea issue delivered in the Philippines on Aug. 18, U.S. Pacific Command Admiral Robert F. Willard noted that the United States opposes the use of force by countries locked in a territorial dispute in the South Chin Sea and would maintain its presence there for years to come.

The remarks by Willard on the situation in the South China Sea that blame China do not tally with the facts.

Countries in East Asia have actively engaged in enhancing regional integration, building a framework for multilateral cooperation as well as setting up a long-term objective for the East Asian community. Thanks to the sound and stable environment in the region, mutual trust and cooperation among member countries have been further enhanced, which is one condition for peace and stability in the South China Sea.

In line with the principle of "laying disputes aside and seeking common development," the Chinese government has strengthened security dialogues and cooperation with countries concerned on the basis on mutual trust and respect.

In 2002, China reached consensus with ASEAN on the peaceful settlement of disputes, maintenance of regional stability and cooperation in the South China Sea upon the signature of Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. With the South China Sea as a platform, China and ASEAN member countries have established a series of bilateral and multilateral cooperation framework on the basis of mutual trust and win-win scenario.

The facts that give impetus to the development in East Asia and even Asia-Pacific regions as a whole show clearly the peace, stability and development in the South China Sea. Given these facts, the tension in South China Sea is obviously an exaggeration trying to undermine the peace there.

After the Cold War, the South China Sea has been depicted as a flashpoint of potential disputes. At present, interference by some super powers has caused new turbulence. Would a new round of turmoil prevail in South China Sea?

The South China Sea is a place where stability, exchange and common development are promoted. Common wishes of maintaining peace and prosperity, bilateral and multilateral cooperation in economy and security are the trend. The South China Sea will continue to be the platform that supports regional integration and promotes peace and development in Pan-Pacific region.