Interview: Escalating tensions in South China Sea hurts interests of Filipino people, says expert

Source: Xinhua
Editor: huaxia
2023-12-23 

BEIJING, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- Certain Philippine politicians' attempt to manipulate the South China Sea issue by fomenting anti-China sentiment goes against the interests of the Filipino people, said a Chinese expert during an interview with Xinhua.

"Those Philippine politicians' move primarily serves their political self-interests, all at the expense of the well-being of the Filipino people," said Yang Xiao, deputy director of the Institute of Maritime Strategy Studies at China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations.

"The Philippine politicians' deliberate escalation and disruptive actions jeopardize peace, development, stability, sustainability, and prosperity in the region," he said.

Their actions have "damaged regional peace and stability, and hindered regional development," he added.

The locals could have benefited from cooperation in fisheries, oil, and gas production, he said, adding that escalating tensions in the South China Sea is harmful to realizing regional prosperity in the long term.

The regional security situation had been relatively stable, but the Philippines' recent moves have broken the trajectory, Yang said.

"The Philippines' intention is clear -- to build permanent military facilities on Ren'ai Jiao, a move disrupting the regional status quo, leading to militarization in the South China Sea," he said.

The Philippines has gravely breached its own pledge, as outlined in the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, to exercise self-restraint in activities that could complicate or escalate disputes, said Yang.

"To realize peace, stability, prosperity and development in the South China Sea region is the shared aspiration and responsibility of China and ASEAN member states, and serves the common interests of all countries," he said.

Yang also expressed regret about the fact that certain Philippine politicians are willing to become pawns of the United States.

"Given the Philippines' proximity to China, heightened tensions between the two nations could increase not only China's but also the Philippines' security expenditure," he said, adding that the United States, driven by geopolitical objectives and its so-called commitment to safeguarding allies' security, also finds itself ensnared in the provocative actions of the Philippines.

China maintains that peace and stability in the South China Sea should be jointly upheld by China and ASEAN member states, he said.

China has actively provided international public goods and made every effort to provide services so as to uphold and promote the safety of sea lanes in the South China Sea, he said.

"However, the irresponsible behaviors of the Philippines pose a security threat to Chinese fishermen and law enforcement personnel," he said. ■