China’s foreign minister, Wang Yi, emphasized the importance of resolving maritime disputes through dialogue and warned against confrontations between nations, although he did not explicitly mention the United States. This statement comes as the Philippines, Japan, and the United States have voiced concerns about China’s increasing aggression in the South China Sea. China claims most of the region as its own territory, a claim that is disputed by several neighboring countries.
Recent tensions between China and the Philippines escalated when Chinese vessels blocked Philippine ships from accessing a disputed shoal in the South China Sea. China accused the Philippine ships of trespassing on its territory while attempting to provide supplies to Philippine troops stationed on the shoal within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. The tense encounters between China and the Philippines have prompted Japan to call for trilateral cooperation with the United States to enhance Manila’s security capabilities.
Addressing a symposium on maritime governance in Hainan, Wang stated that historical maritime disputes should be resolved through friendly consultations between the involved parties. He emphasized the need to resist confrontations and zero-sum games, without singling out any specific nation. Wang also highlighted the importance of improving crisis communication mechanisms, without directly referring to the recent incidents.
China has long criticized nations, particularly those with no direct claims in the disputes, accusing them of forming “cliques.” Beijing has been particularly critical of the US Indo-Pacific strategy, which identifies China as an aggressor in the region, including the South China Sea. China argues that this strategy undermines international maritime law, including freedom of navigation.
In the past, Wang has openly criticized a “certain major country” for creating the Indo-Pacific strategy, forming exclusive “small circles,” and engaging in provocative maneuvers. However, during his recent remarks, Wang adopted a more conciliatory tone and refrained from overtly referencing the United States. This comes as both China and the US are making efforts to ease tensions, with an expected meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.
Wang reiterated China’s commitment to fulfilling its obligations under international maritime laws, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), without explicitly mentioning Washington. In the past, he criticized the same “certain major country” for refusing to join UNCLOS, despite more than 160 countries being party to it. While the United States accepts UNCLOS, it has yet to ratify it.
China’s foreign minister’s remarks reflect a more diplomatic approach ahead of the expected meeting between the leaders of China and the United States. Both countries are attempting to ease tensions and find common ground on various issues, including maritime disputes.
