The greatest risk to peace and stability in the South China Sea currently comes from external interference and the Philippines’ reliance on foreign powers to elevate its own status – two factors that are closely intertwined, Zhang Chi, a member of China’s National Defense University delegation, said during the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.
Some extraterritorial powers have dispatched warplanes and warships thousands of miles to the South China Sea to conduct so-called “freedom of navigation” operations, constantly provoking China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights. Some major powers have even deployed mid-range missile in the Philippines, seriously undermining regional peace and stability and infringing upon the legitimate rights and interests of countries in the region, including China, Zhang noted.
China firmly opposes these actions and will take countermeasures at an appropriate time, Zhang said.
History has shown that those who willingly become pawns will ultimately be abandoned. Provocations and violations will only lead to self-inflicted consequences, the Chinese delegate added.
