Information
During a recent US-ASEAN summit, Secretary of State Antony Blinken voiced serious concerns about China’s “increasingly dangerous and unlawful” actions in the South China Sea, where Chinese vessels have had confrontations with Philippine and Vietnamese boats. Blinken reiterated the United States’ commitment to supporting freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific, emphasizing the importance of peaceful conflict resolution and condemning China’s aggressive actions that have led to injuries and vessel damage. Southeast Asian leaders, including Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., echoed Blinken’s sentiments, highlighting the need for more urgent negotiations on a South China Sea code of conduct to manage the region’s mounting tensions. Additionally, ASEAN members and the United States emphasized the region’s adherence to international laws, underscoring China’s refusal to recognize a 2016 Hague ruling that invalidated its sweeping claims over the South China Sea.
Blinken also cautioned China against “provocative” actions toward Taiwan following a speech by Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, who vowed to resist Chinese annexation efforts. Blinken urged China to avoid using Lai’s statements as a pretext for escalation, stressing the importance of maintaining the status quo for regional stability. In contrast, Chinese Premier Li Qiang defended China’s stance, claiming it was merely safeguarding its sovereignty and warning that “external forces” were inciting geopolitical conflicts in Asia. The United States, while lacking direct claims in the South China Sea, has deployed navy ships and jets to challenge China’s assertions over the disputed waters. The ASEAN summit also addressed other regional issues, including Myanmar, where, for the first time in over three years, the junta was represented at the ASEAN meeting.
Source: AP, AFP
So what
It is likely that the best way to ensure security in the South China Sea is to present a united front against Chinese aggression. Something that China is working hard to ensure doesn’t happen using a range of tactics.
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