Chinese Foreign Minister calls for safeguarding stability in the South China Sea

The foreign ministers of China and ASEAN agreeing for a mechanism to safeguard peace and stability/August 2018

China's State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi called for joint efforts to overcome challenges and safeguard stability in the South China Sea. 

Wang made the remarks in his speech at a symposium on "The South China Sea: From a Cooperation Point of View" held in Beijing on Wednesday. Having a common interest in making the South China Sea peaceful and stable, China and the ASEAN countries form a natural community with a common destiny, Wang said in his speech titled "Working Together to Make South China Sea a sea of ​​peace, friendship and cooperation ". 

"I am really happy to see that the countries in the region have maintained the momentum of dialogue and cooperation and achieved significant progress," said Wang. Noting that there are still sensitive and complex risks and challenges in the South China Sea, Wang noted that the South China Sea should not become a tool for denigrating China by some countries, much less a land to fight for competition from the big countries. 

"China and the ASEAN countries must work together to meet the challenges and shoulder the responsibility that lies with us as hosts in the region for peace and stability in the South China Sea," according to Mr. Wang. "We should continue to let the countries directly concerned resolve their differences through consultations and negotiations," Wang suggested, adding that efforts should be made to conclude the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea at a later date, faster pace and pursue joint development by setting aside disputes. 

According to participants in attendance, at present, the COVID-19 pandemic is spreading widely, unilateralism and bullying trade prevail, the United States is openly interfering in the South China Sea and uncertainty is increasing in the region. 

The participants made proposals to the countries of this region with a view to speeding up the consultation process of the Code of Conduct. They also called on countries outside the region to refrain from creating tensions. This virtual international symposium was jointly organized by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Institute of South China Sea Studies.

Cassien Tribunal Aungane, Editor