Leading scholars and analysts have praised a new series of reports titled "The Truths about the South China Sea" released by the Xinhua Institute, a think tank affiliated with Xinhua News Agency. The bilingual publications, available in Chinese and English, provide a comprehensive analysis of China's historical and legal claims in the contested waters while addressing external interference in regional affairs.
Historical Context and Legal Foundations
Released ahead of the 80th anniversary of the World Anti-Fascist War victory in 2025, the reports emphasize that China's sovereignty over Nanhai Zhudao (the South China Sea Islands) was reaffirmed through post-war agreements like the 1943 Cairo Declaration and 1945 Potsdam Proclamation. Li Guoqiang, deputy director of the Chinese Academy of History, noted the documents "systematically illustrate China's lawful resumption of sovereignty" and its role in upholding the post-war international order.
Countering External Pressures
The reports criticize "non-regional forces" for leveraging the South China Sea issue to contain China, citing recent tensions with the Philippines as part of broader geopolitical competition. Yang Xiao of the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations stated the publications "expose infringements and disinformation" undermining regional stability.
Emphasis on Peaceful Development
Wu Shicun of the Huayang Center for Maritime Cooperation highlighted China's historical stewardship of the waters, urging continued efforts to "collate and interpret evidence" supporting its claims. The reports position China's infrastructure projects and diplomatic engagements as steps toward fostering a "sea of peace and cooperation."
