China - A staunch proponent of peace and stability in the South China Sea

Meanwhile, certain countries have been questioning the pace and scale of China's construction activities. What needs to be pointed out is that China is a big country that shoulders more international responsibilities and obligations. China is conducting construction activities at a pace and with a scale as befitted her international responsibilities and obligations in the field of search and rescue, disaster prevention and mitigation, meteorological observation, ecological conservation, navigation safety and fishery services. China should not simply be blamed for the pace and scale of her construction activities, because this might indicate that the construction activities by other countries on their illegally-occupied islands and reefs of China's Nansha Islands are beyond reproach.

China and ASEAN countries have been making joint efforts to deepen friendly and cooperative relations in all areas and build a community of common destiny. We identified a "dual track" approach on the South China Sea issue, i.e. relevant disputes should be resolved through negotiation and consultation between parties directly concerned, and China and ASEAN member states should work together to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea. Thanks to common efforts by China and ASEAN countries, positive progress has been made in the consultation on a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC). They reached agreement on "early harvest" measures, and resolve to take forward COC consultations through enhancing mutual trust and cooperation. However, relevant outsiders tried to set a timetable for the COC consultation. Yet, given the complexity of the South China Sea issue, the formulation of the COC will be a step-by-step process. Moreover, the COC is meant to be a set of rules for China and countries in this region rather than rules set by outsiders for us. The efforts made by China and ASEAN countries in this regard deserve more respect.

China's policy for the South China Sea is clear and consistent. We remain committed to maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea and resolving disputes through negotiation and consultation. We support strengthening mechanisms and rules governing the South China Sea issue, including the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and the formulation of the COC, as effective means to manage disputes. And we consistently stand for joint development and maritime cooperation as win-win arrangements pending the final resolution of the issue.

China firmly upholds her sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and is opposed to any words or actions that encroach on China's sovereignty and legitimate rights and interests or affect regional peace and stability. Countries not directly concerned on the South China Sea disputes should speak and act with caution on this issue, faithfully observe their commitment of not taking positions on sovereignty disputes, and respect the efforts by countries in the region to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea. Going in another direction would be less than responsible.

The author is Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Of the People's Republic of China.