Q: According to reports, US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson said at an event held by the East-West Center that the chorus against threats to peace and stability in the South China Sea is growing louder and stronger, and China is urged to abide by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the so-called 2016 arbitral ruling, cease “harassment”of Philippine vessels lawfully operating in the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zones, and end interference with the freedoms of navigation and overflight of all states lawfully operating, not only in this region but around the world. What is the embassy’s comment on this?

A: China’s position on the South China Sea is consistent and clear, and is in line with international law, including UNCLOS. We firmly safeguard our territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea. Meanwhile, we stay committed to properly managing differences through dialogue and consultation with countries concerned, and would like to work with ASEAN countries to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, advance the consultation on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea to jointly safeguard peace and stability in the region.

Though not a party to the South China Sea issue, the United States has played a dishonorable part by stirring up confrontation and hyping up tension for its own geopolitical interest. When diplomatic efforts are being made by China and the Philippines to manage differences, the United States stokes the situation instead of promoting peace and facilitating talks. History and facts show that the United States has never been a solution to but rather the problem itself.

Ironically, a state that has neither signed nor ratified UNCLOS, the US never failed to use UNCLOS to denounce others. While calling on upholding“rule-based international order”, the US refuses to execute the judgement and advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice and resolution of the UN General Assembly. Its application of international law and international order is selective. It sends aircraft and warships to the South China Sea to flex muscles under the pretext of exercising freedom of navigation. Its true intention is not promoting regional peace and stability, but ensuring “freedom of rampage”of its own aircraft and warships.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, out of the same geopolitical self-interest, the US, in addition to promoting “America first”, has unscrupulously smeared Chinese vaccines and medical supplies and thwarted Chinese donation of vaccines and medical supplies to the Philippines. Such a disinformation campaign has contributed to tens of thousands of deaths in the Philippines, and endangered the health of people in the region. The Filipino people and the international community have the right to know the truth. Why has the US Embassy in the Philippines remained silent on that? Mustn’t the United States be held accountable for what it did during the pandemic?