What has really happened in South China Sea?(2)

HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

Chinese fishermen operated in Nansha and Xisha Islands thousands of years ago. The islands and waters claimed by China had been under the governance of China long before any nation of modern form emerged in Southeast Asia.

In the meantime, China's claims, which are often under unwarranted criticism, are vindicated by facts back in December 1947, when the Kuomintang government regained sovereignty over the South China Sea islands from Japan after World War II.

The claims, indicated in widely circulated Chinese maps, had not been challenged by any country, including the Philippines and Vietnam.

However, things changed as vast reserves of gas and oil were found under the South China Sea. The Philippines, Vietnam and some other countries started to assert sovereignty or exclusive economic zone claims that overlapped Chinese territories.

The UNCLOS did not take effect until 1994, long after China had established its sovereignty over the areas. And the convention, like other international agreements, should by no means be retroactive.

China is not the bully on this matter. On the contrary, China has always exercised maximum restraint in response to provocations, because peaceful negotiations and consultations have always been Chine's first choice to solve international disputes with other countries.

INSTIGATION FROM OUTSIDE

In addition to the irresponsible unilateral behaviors of some countries, outside interference has also been a major destabilizing factor.

Although the U.S. government has claimed that it does not take sides on the South China Sea issue, comments from Washington have emboldened countries like the Philippines and Vietnam in their confrontation with China. The situation has made an amicable solution more difficult to reach.

The coincidence of tensions in the South China Sea and the U.S. "pivot to Asia" strategy keeps people guessing the real intentions of Washington.

Japan is also seen to exert its influence on the South China Sea issue. Japan has donated patrol ships to the Philippines to support its maritime claims.

It is tempting for some countries such as the Philippines to see the United States and Japan as powerful allies on issues of maritime territorial disputes. But it is questionable how far Washington and Tokyo are willing to go.

Rather than counting on the dubious support from outside meddlers, the best way is to follow the "dual-track" approach and engage in friendly and candid talks with China, which truly respects the interests of parties concerned.