China Accuses U.S. of Abusing International Law with Military Maneuvers in Western Pacific

In a strong statement, China has accused the United States of abusing international law through its military activities in the western Pacific. The accusation comes just a day after an American naval destroyer sailed through the politically sensitive Taiwan Strait. China's Defense Ministry spokesperson, Wu Qian, expressed concerns over U.S. warplane and warship activity near China's borders, stating that it is the root cause of tensions between the two military powers.

During a monthly briefing, Wu Qian urged the United States to cease all dangerous and provocative behavior and strictly restrain the activities of its front-line troops. He emphasized that this is crucial in order to avoid accidents at sea and in the air. The recent incident involved the USS John Finn, which sailed through the 160-kilometer-wide Taiwan Strait, separating China from Taiwan.

China and the United States agreed to resume military contacts at a meeting between Presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping in November 2021. The goal was to manage any unintended collisions or incidents that may occur as both nations conduct drills and patrol the waters in regional hotspots, including the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea.

The United States justified its actions, stating that they are in line with international laws guaranteeing freedom of navigation. The U.S. Navy's 7th Fleet released a statement, emphasizing that no member of the international community should be coerced into giving up their rights and freedoms. The U.S. military asserted its right to operate anywhere international law allows.

The rise of China as a military power in the western Pacific has brought it into conflict with the United States, the long-standing dominant military power in the region. The U.S. military's actions are aimed at deterring any potential attack on Taiwan by China and preventing the enforcement of its territorial claims in disputes with smaller neighboring countries like the Philippines.

Notably, tensions between China and the Philippines escalated last year as disputes over shoals and outcroppings in the South China Sea intensified. China has blamed U.S. support, including joint patrols with the Philippines, for emboldening its smaller neighbor. Wu Qian urged the United States to stop interfering and provoking in the South China Sea, emphasizing the need for easing tensions in the region.

Diplomats from China and the Philippines recently met in Shanghai with the objective of working towards lower tensions in the South China Sea. However, Wu acknowledged that resolving the current issues overnight is not possible. China expressed willingness to resolve the issue through dialogue and consultation, but also warned that firm countermeasures would be taken if the Philippines insists on pursuing its own course.

As the power dynamics in the western Pacific continue to evolve, managing military activities and resolving territorial disputes peacefully remains a significant challenge for both China and the United States.