Chinese envoy criticizes US of hyping S.China Sea issue at Security Council debate

China is committed to working with the countries concerned to appropriately address sea-related differences through dialogue and consultation on the basis of respect for historical facts and international law. The so-called award in the South China Sea arbitration is illegal and invalid, and China does not accept or recognize it, Charge d’affaires Ambassador Geng Shuang said at the UN Security Council open debate on maritime security on Tuesday. 

The Security Council is not an appropriate place to discuss the South China Sea issue. Just now, in her statement, the US Representative mentioned the South China Sea issue. China firmly opposes it, Geng said. 

During the meeting, the US representative claimed to “stand with the Philippines” on the South China Sea issue, calling on China to abide by the so-called “2016 arbitral ruling,” according to the website of the US Mission to the UN.

“Here is a reminder to my US colleagues. I don't know if she realized that her speech is in stark contrast to other colleagues' statements. The statements made by the Secretary-General, as well as other colleagues, all focus on how to maintain maritime security and develop international cooperation,” said Geng. 

“The US, however, has taken the opportunity in its statement to attack and discredit other countries and to suppress them recklessly. We hope that the US can join other countries in playing a constructive role in maintaining maritime security,” said Geng. 

He noted that the US under the banner of freedom of navigation, has frequently sent its military vessels to the South China Sea to flex its muscles and openly stir up confrontation between regional countries. The US itself is the biggest threat to the peace and stability of the South China Sea. 

With the joint efforts of China and ASEAN member states, the current situation in the South China Sea remains generally stable. We have the determination and ability to build the South China Sea into a sea of peace, friendship, and cooperation, said Geng, noting that “we hope that the US will abide by its commitment to the one-China principle.”

On Tuesday, the UN Security Council held a high-level open debate on "Strengthening Maritime Security through International Cooperation for Global Stability." The meeting, convened by Greece, the Council president for May, aimed to foster a strategic dialogue among member states on maritime security. 

Geng said at the meeting that oceans and seas nurture life, connect the world, and promote development. They are the common home of the entire humankind. Taking care of our common home, maintaining maritime security, and strengthening global ocean governance are of great significance to the promotion of world peace, stability, development, and prosperity, and a common responsibility of all countries. 

As a major maritime country, China is committed to the common guardianship of maritime homeland and the maintenance of common maritime security. We will always be a builder of global ocean governance, a promoter of sustainable development of oceans and seas, and a defender of global maritime security and stability. We stand ready to work with the international community to make unremitting efforts to promote the building of an ocean order of peace, tranquility, and win-win cooperation, and to build together a maritime community with a shared future, said the ambassador.