China says its South China Sea policy remains unchanged

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin takes a question during the daily Foreign Ministry briefing in Beijing on July 24, 2020. GREG BAKER / AFP via China Daily/Asia News Network

BEIJING —  China has always strictly implemented international laws including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and never expanded its claims of sovereignty, a spokesperson said on Tuesday.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said this at a press briefing in response to US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s remarks over the South China Sea issue.

China’s South China Sea policy remains unchanged, and has been consistent and stable, Wang said, adding that China has always insisted on resolving territorial and maritime rights disputes with neighboring countries through negotiation in accordance with international law and historical facts.

“We have always abided by the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and we are willing to work with Asean countries to push forward consultations on the Code of Conduct to reach a code of conduct common to China and Asean countries at an early date,” the spokesperson said.

The United States is not a party concerned to the South China Sea issue, nor a party to UNCLOS, Wang said, noting that it has blatantly violated its commitment not to hold a stand on the issue of South China Sea sovereignty, and deliberately drove a wedge between China and Asean countries.

Regional countries and all peace-loving people will not allow a few US politicians to muddy the waters in the South China Sea, Wang added. Xinhua