China Accuses US of Abusing International Law in Western Pacific

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
25/01/2024 22h32

The accusation comes after a Navy warship sailed through the politically sensitive Taiwan Strait, further intensifying tensions between the two countries.

On Wednesday, the Navy destroyer John Finn sailed through the Taiwan Strait, a 100-mile-wide waterway that separates China from Taiwan. China claims Taiwan as its own territory, while Taiwan functions as a self-governing island.

While China expressed willingness to engage in military communication with the United States, Defense Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian voiced concern over U.S. warplane and warship activities "on China's doorstep," citing them as the root cause of the ongoing problems between the two military powers. At a monthly briefing, Wu urged the United States to stop its provocative behavior, strictly restrain its troops, and abide by international law to avoid accidents in the region.

Last November, during a meeting between Presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping in California, both sides agreed to resume military contacts. The objective was to manage potential collisions or other incidents as both nations conduct drills and patrol waters in hotspots, including the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea.

China has referred to the United States as the "biggest disruptor of regional peace and stability" in response to the annual Pentagon report. However, the U.S. maintains that its actions are in line with international laws, specifically those guaranteeing freedom of navigation. The U.S. 7th Fleet emphasized that no member of the international community should be coerced into giving up their rights and freedoms, supporting its activities that comply with international law.

The rise of China's military power in the western Pacific has led to increasing conflicts with the United States, which has traditionally been the dominant military power in the region. The U.S. military activities aim to deter China from launching any attack on Taiwan or using its strength to enforce territorial claims, particularly in disputes with smaller neighboring countries like the Philippines.

Escalating tensions in the South China Sea have led to clashes between Chinese and Philippine ships over disputes regarding shoals and other outcroppings. China has accused the U.S. of emboldening the Philippines through its support, including recent joint patrols. Wu stressed the need for the United States to halt its interference and provocations to ease tensions in the region.

Diplomats from China and the Philippines recently met in Shanghai, agreeing to work towards lowering tensions in the South China Sea. However, they acknowledged that resolving the issue would not be an overnight task. China expressed its willingness to resolve the matter through dialogue and consultation but warned of countermeasures if the Philippines insists on pursuing its own course.

As the situation unfolds, the tensions between China and the United States continue to rise, adding another layer of complexity to an already volatile region. The international community closely watches for any further developments and hopes for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing disputes.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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