China will never compromise to 'paper tigers'
- By Su Xiaohui
0 Comment(s)
Print
E-mail People's Daily, February 2, 2016
|
|
|
USS Curtis Wilbur (File photo) |
On Jan. 30, several U.S. media reported news regarding the USS Curtis Wilbur, a guided missile destroyer, entering the waters of China's Xisha Islands without prior notification. Relevant departments including the Chinese Foreign Ministry and Defense Ministry responded immediately. It is the second time that a U.S. warship has intruded into the South China Sea after the USS Lassen illegally entering waters near islands and reefs of China's Nansha Islands on Oct. 27, 2015.
Compared to the last time, this operation is more calculated.
Firstly, the U.S. has paved the way for the incursion through widespread propaganda. For months, the U.S. media have been hyping up the South China Sea issue. During his recent visit to Asia, the U.S. Secretary of State instigated ASEAN countries to unite against China on the issue.
Commander of the United States Pacific Command (USPACOM) stated in his speech that the so-called U.S. freedom of navigation operations (FONOPs) in the South China Sea will increase not only in number but also in scope and complexity.
Secondly, the location of the operation is "well-chosen". The U.S.is fully aware that on May 15, 1996, the Chinese government published a statement on its territorial sea baseline under the Law of the People's Republic of China on the Territorial Sea and the Contiguous Zone, which determined the baseline of territorial waters adjacent to the Chinese mainland and the baseline of waters adjacent to the Xisha Islands. Incursion into the Xisha Islands is obviously intentional.
Thirdly, the U.S. deliberately timed its action for expanded influence. Officials of the U.S. Department of Defense justified their actions to the press as safeguarding so called navigation rights and freedoms.
Such diligent calculations are no more than provocations to China in order to interfere with China's legitimate activities in the South China Sea and force China to halt construction on the islands.
In contrast to the aggressive manner of the U.S., China's reaction showed restraint. The troops that are guarding the islands and navy vessels responded immediately and appropriately with surveillance and vocal warning, nothing further.
Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)