Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi issued a stern warning Friday regarding escalating tensions in the South China Sea, stating that \"infringement and provocation will backfire\" during a press conference at Beijing's Great Hall of the People. The remarks came as part of China's annual legislative session, where regional security topped the agenda.
\"Those acting as others' chess pieces are bound to be discarded,\" Wang emphasized, underscoring Beijing's position on external intervention in the strategic waterway. While not naming specific countries, the comments come amid increased international scrutiny of maritime activities in the resource-rich region.
Analysts suggest the statement reflects China's growing emphasis on safeguarding what it considers core interests. The South China Sea remains critical for global trade routes, with over $3 trillion in ship-borne commerce passing through annually. Recent developments have drawn attention from business leaders monitoring potential impacts on supply chains and energy markets.
Wang reiterated China's commitment to peaceful resolutions through dialogue, aligning with regional efforts to finalize a Code of Conduct for claimant states. The diplomatic push coincides with heightened interest from international researchers studying Asia's evolving security architecture.
