Beijing, March 8 – Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi issued a firm warning against escalating tensions in the South China Sea during a press conference Friday, stating that "infringement and provocation will backfire." Speaking on the sidelines of the National People's Congress session, Wang emphasized Beijing's commitment to safeguarding regional stability.
"Those acting as others' chess pieces are bound to be discarded," Wang cautioned, in an apparent reference to external powers involved in the disputed waters. The comments come amid renewed strategic competition in one of the world's busiest maritime corridors, where $3.4 trillion in annual trade transits.
Analysts suggest Wang's remarks signal China's dual approach: maintaining open dialogue while firmly opposing what it perceives as destabilizing actions. The foreign minister reiterated China's preference for "direct negotiations" with Southeast Asian neighbors to resolve disputes.
The South China Sea remains critical for global energy supplies, with an estimated 11 billion barrels of untapped oil reserves. Recent developments have drawn increased attention from business leaders monitoring potential impacts on shipping routes and energy markets.
ASEAN officials have cautiously welcomed calls for dialogue, with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stating last week that "diplomatic channels remain open." Regional security experts underscore the need for clear communication frameworks to prevent accidental escalation.
