There's a time-honored saying in China concerning disputes, which goes like this -- listen to both sides and be enlightened; heed only one and remain in the dark.
Observers of South China Sea disputes would do well to adopt that same approach.
While the Philippine government accuses China of infringing on its territory and pillaging resources, China claims that it is actually the wronged party in the disputes.
Talking about the South China Sea at the Fourth World Peace Forum on Saturday in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that China's sovereignty over the Nansha Islands is legal. At the conclusion of the World War II, China took back the Nansha Islands from Japan's occupation in accordance with the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation on which the post-war international order was founded.
"As China and the United States were allies at that time, U.S. ships carried Chinese troops to take back the islands," said Wang. "Our friends in the U.S. should be very clear about that."
Up until the 1960s, the international community had no doubts over China's sovereignty in the Nansha Islands. Since the 1970s, various countries have been trying to occupy islands in the South China Sea, perhaps encouraged by reports of oil reserves in the area. The Philippines has occupied eight of the islands, one by one, since the 1970s, building airports, wharfs and barracks, and deploying weapons.
In May, 1995, the Philippine side illegally grounded the No.57 landing craft at Ren'ai Reef using the excuse of "mechanical dysfunction" upon which China immediately lodged representations and protests.
The Philippine side has been promising to tow away the vessel ever since, saying it will not be the first country to violate the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC). Not only does the landing craft remain exactly where it first beached, the Philippines are now attempting to build facilities there and occupy the reef.
It should be noted that China's island building took place long after these events. China has not used any force to take back the occupied islands, but remains committed to peaceful negotiations.
It should also be noted that China has repeatedly pledged to work with other countries to protect freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea.
Expecting China to sit idly by as other countries rush to occupy South China Sea islands is unrealistic and unthinkable. Judging from what China has actually done, it's fair to say China has shown considerable restraint.
All claimants may disagree on a lot of things, but the best way to resolve matters is through negotiation.
In the meantime, before making comments on the South China Sea issue, it will serve public interests well if observers could do a little more research and show real understanding of this complicated situation.
