Scholar: China being self-restraint in handling disputes

The withdrawal of the Philippines' warships from the waters of the Huangyan Island on the morning of April 12 was taken by foreign media as the temporary end of the first round of "the most serious confrontation" over the territorial disputes in the South China Sea between China and the Philippines. However, the Philippines resumed confrontation again by sending a coast guard vessel to the Huangyan Island waters in disregard of China's solemn negotiations and warnings.

Since China has always held on the goals of keeping the regional peace and promoting common development in the region, the Chinese government has shown an extremely restrained attitude in handling the disputes in the South China Sea and demonstrated great sincerity and active efforts.

The Chinese government has always held articulate and firm position on the issues of sovereignty and maritime rights. Yet, despite the relative military superiority, China has considered the regional peace and stability in the South China Sea and tried the best to reduce and avoid any chance of accidental sparks of fire by using marine surveillance ships to patrol and protect the rights instead of direct use of warships for counterattack. It's an expression of self-control rather than weakness.

In the case of a misfire to be sparked, the armed conflict would only inflict damage on the both parties as well as the regional peace and development, while the hidden supporters behind the scene would benefit from that.

It is hoped that the sincerity of China will be comprehended and respected by all the parties involved in the South China Sea conflict. However, a stern warning is also formally given to some individual countries that any attempt to seek benefits from possible military confrontations is an extremely dangerous and unwise act.