In his speech at the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia, Chinese premier Li Keqiang said that China would respond decisively to any provocation on the South China Sea.
Just the previous day, the Chinese defense minister Chang Wanquan had expressed a firm stance on the issue. "The Chinese army comes when called upon, fights once it comes, and wins once it fights."
China's firm stance has made an impact. Some say that China is making a show of its capabilities, which is quite different from its previous attitude of maintaining a low profile. Some even worry that China may resort to military action. Speculation like this adds fuel to the so-called China threat theory.
But rumors that circulate are less of a problem than failing to deal with the truth.
The core of China's firm stance lies in defense rather than offense. Chinese leaders have always put peaceful solutions to disputes before hard responses. The Chinese army is committed to safeguarding state sovereignty and territorial integrity and dealing with threats and provocations, rather than aggression or invasion. As Premier Li Keqiang quoted, we Chinese believe in "repaying kindness with kindness and meeting wrongdoing with justice".
China's decisive stance ought to prevent neighboring countries from horboring unrealistic fantasies. The Philippine is a small country in the South China Sea, but that does not make it a victim. It has encroached on certain Chinese islets in the area and refuses to mend its ways. It has rejected dialogue with China and sought to form anti-Chinese alliances. More dangerously, by conniving with the Philippines in opposition to China, the United States continues to confuse right and wrong, , which only serves to make the issue more complicated and tense. In the face of these circumstances, China has made its position clear: we are firm in our resolve to uphold China's territorial sovereignty, we will never make any compromise, concession, or deal concerning our territorial sovereignty, and we will never permit any occupation of our terrritory. Only by disposing of certain countries' fantasies can we discourage further irresponsible actions.
Chinese decisiveness demonstrates tolerance and inclusiveness. China seeks common development in the Asia-Pacific region. China understands other countries' concerns and is devoted to promoting mutual trust and building consensus on the South China Sea issue. Premier Li Keqiang emphasizes that China is ready to press forward with consultation on a code of conduct in the South China Sea within the framework of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.
The Chinese premier has put forward the new concept of a "community of shared responsibilities", which is equally important to "community of common interest" and "community of common destiny". China has made it clear that development in Asia is impossible without a general environment of peace. To maintain peace and stability is a duty – not only for China, but for every party involved.
The article is edited and translated from《南海任何挑衅 必遭果断回应》 , Source: People's Daily Overseas Edition