Reports Affirm China's Sovereignty in the South China Sea Amidst External Interference

On Thursday, several reports produced by the Xinhua Institute were issued, detailing the historical and legal justifications for China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights in the South China Sea. These reports argue that external influences have disrupted the situation in the region and that China's initiatives aim to transform the South China Sea into an area characterized by peace, cooperation, and friendship.

Entitled "The Truths about the South China Sea," the series includes various reports, two of which were newly released. These focus on the historical and legal underpinnings of China's claims, along with an analysis of the incitement and threats posed by external forces meddling in the South China Sea affairs. A pre-existing publication emphasizes China's commitment to ensuring the South China Sea evolves into a place of peaceful relations among nations.

In the context of the 80th anniversary of the victory in significant global conflicts, the reports emphasize that China's exercise of sovereignty over the South China Sea islands, known as Nanhai Zhudao, is supported by international legal documents such as the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation. They assert that many in the international community acknowledge this sovereignty.

Additionally, the documents point out that in recent years, various non-regional powers have engaged in a power struggle targeting China within the so-called "Indo-Pacific region." These forces have been accused of using the South China Sea situation to contain China's influence and have reportedly encouraged the Philippines and other claimants to provoke tensions.

The reports contend that the actions of these external actors represent a Western strategic viewpoint focused on hegemonic competition. They call for vigilance against the US-led maneuvers aimed at instigation and coercion concerning the South China Sea, emphasizing the need for regional stability and prosperity through cooperative efforts. A book compiling these reports was also published on the same day, titled "Beneath the Waves – The Truths about the South China Sea." The Xinhua Institute is dedicated to impactful policy research on significant global and domestic issues.