Hey fam, here’s the scoop on the latest South China Sea drama 🌊:
At a Monday briefing, China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian called out the U.S. for “sowing discord” in the region. This came after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the U.S. stands with its Philippine ally against China’s plan to set up a national nature reserve on Huangyan Dao.
Lin Jian stressed that Huangyan Dao is “inherent territory of China” and the reserve is “reasonable, lawful and beyond criticism.” He urged the U.S. to stop stirring up trouble so that peace and stability can return.
China also slammed the so‐called South China Sea arbitration as a political farce with no legal or binding power. In Lin’s words, “it’s clear who truly upholds international law and who’s just causing trouble.”
Despite tensions, China says it’s committed to working with ASEAN members to implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. Next up? Negotiations on a code of conduct to make these waters a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation 🤝.
Stay tuned as Asia’s maritime hotspot continues to heat up—but remember, the call for dialogue and stability is louder than ever 📣.
Reference(s):
China urges U.S. to stop sowing discord, antagonism in South China Sea
cgtn.com
