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Respect our sea rights, sovereignty-China
By Nidz Godino

“Taiwan question is very core of China’s interests and China’s core interests brook no compromise… Chinese People’s Liberation Army will never let any ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist activities and external supports go unchecked,” Chinese defense minister Admiral Dong Jun was quoted by embassy as saying talked with his US counterpart earlier to relay Beijing’s appeal to Washington that it respect China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights in South China Sea, saying President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden have shared commitment to improving bilateral relations.
Chinese embassy said video conversation between Dong and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III took place on Tuesday. Based on embassy statement, meeting appeared to focus more on Taiwan issue. There was no direct mention of West Philippine Sea issue. It was not clear who initiated video meeting.
The Chinese defense chief also noted current situation in South China Sea is generally stable, and that regional countries have willingness, wisdom and capability to resolve conflicts.
“ US should clearly recognize China’s firm position, earnestly respect China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in South China Sea and take practical actions to maintain regional peace and stability of relations between two countries and two militaries, military domain plays pivotal role in implementing consensus reached by heads of state, stabilizing development of bilateral relations and preventing major crises… two militaries should explore ways to get along with each other, taking peace, stability and trust as basic principles of their exchanges and build military-to-military relationship featuring no conflict, no confrontation, open and pragmatic cooperation and gradual accumulation of mutual trust based on equality and mutual respect, so as to truly serve as stable cornerstone for development of relations between two countries,” Dong said.
Earlier, Beijing said US actions and statements are ones causing problems in the region. Chinese embassy, earlier this month, even mocked US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty, saying “it will not move us bit from our will and resolve.”
It was made in response to fresh assurances from Biden that any attack on Philippine aircraft, vessel or armed forces in SCS would trigger the treaty.
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“US is not party to South China Sea issue and is not in position of interfering in issues between China and the Philippines,” Chinese embassy said.
