Settle maritime disputes based on law, historical facts – China

MANILA, Philippines — China wants South China Sea (SCS) maritime issues settled on the basis not only of international law but also on what it considers as “historical facts.”

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said this in reaction to President Marcos’ statement on China’s harassment of Philippine vessels in the West Philippine Sea, at the ongoing ASEAN Summit in Vientiane, Laos.

“With the joint effort of China and ASEAN countries, the situation in the South China Sea is generally stable,” Mao said in a press conference on Thursday.

“China remains committed to settling maritime differences with countries concerned through dialogue and consultation on the basis of respecting historical facts and international law,” she added.

Mao said China, meanwhile, “firmly opposes any infringement activities and provocations, and firmly safeguards its own territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.”

According to her, “China will continue to work with ASEAN countries to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, actively advance the consultations of the code of conduct in the South China Sea, and jointly make the South China Sea a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation.”

Marcos had called on the Southeast Asian grouping not to turn a blind eye to the aggressive, coercive and illegal actions of an external power against an ASEAN member state.