In response to a question about Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr’s remarks that it is regrettable that incidents continue to occur in the South China Sea and “[the incidents] have put the lives of Philippine personnel and the safety of our vessels and aircraft at risk” at the ongoing ASEAN meetings on Sunday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Monday that South China Sea is the shared home of China and ASEAN countries, and its peace and stability must be jointly safeguarded.
The root cause of the current tensions lies in the Philippines’ deliberate maritime infringements and provocations, Guo said.
China will continue to firmly defend its sovereignty and rights in accordance with the law, while remaining willing to properly manage maritime differences with the Philippines through dialogue and consultation, the spokesperson said.
China will also work with ASEAN countries to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and advance consultations on a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea to maintain peace and stability in the region, Guo said, noting that relevant countries should strictly abide by the provisions of the declaration, cease acts of infringement and provocation and stop hyping up tensions.
