Singapore — Lieutenant General He Lei, former vice president of the Academy of Military Sciences of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, has expressed concerns over Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s remarks on the South China Sea issue at the 21st Shangri-La Dialogue.
Speaking at a press briefing on Friday, He Lei questioned the assertions made by Marcos, who had emphasized the vision of the Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries for “peace, stability, and prosperity” in the South China Sea, suggesting that this vision was being undermined by “other actors.”
“The Philippine side is breaking rules, provoking confrontations, creating small cliques, and relying on external countries regarding the South China Sea issue,” He Lei stated. He argued that the Philippines has accused its neighbors of violating the rules-based international order but questioned who is actually violating the rules.
He Lei pointed out that taking disputes over islands and reefs in the South China Sea to an international arbitral tribunal violated the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, which stipulates that bilateral negotiations are the means to resolve disputes. He also noted that such actions infringe upon China’s rights under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
“China always believes that international rules are not the laws and regulations of a small number of countries but reflect the interests of the vast majority of countries,” he said. “China is an active participant and solid defender of these rules and abides by them.”
He Lei recalled that during the six-year tenure of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, the situation in the South China Sea remained relatively stable with no major disputes. However, since Marcos assumed office in June 2022, disputes have frequently arisen, including incidents at Ren’ai Jiao and Huangyan Dao (also known as Second Thomas Shoal and Scarborough Shoal), he said.
He attributed the growing disputes to the Philippines “constantly stirring up troubles” and the United States “orchestrating behind the scenes.” He emphasized that China “will never bully smaller countries” but has principles and a bottom line, and “will not allow certain countries to act recklessly.”
He Lei also questioned Marcos’s claim that the presence of the United States was “crucial to regional peace.” He argued that resolving disputes and maintaining peace in the South China Sea depend on the countries in the region and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), rather than external countries.
“I have a question for the Philippines. What is the relationship between ASEAN centrality and U.S. leadership in the Asia-Pacific region? Which is more important, ASEAN or forming small groups?” he asked, referring to the Philippines’ participation in initiatives with the U.S., Japan, and Australia.
“The Philippines claims to uphold ASEAN centrality, but it is actually strengthening the U.S.-Philippine military alliance,” He Lei said. “It claims to uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea, but it is enthusiastically engaging in bloc confrontation.”
He concluded by stating that China firmly opposes intervention by countries outside the region in the South China Sea issue. “Evidence indicates that the issue, to a large extent, has been instigated by external countries,” he said. “These countries outside the region are the architects and agitators of the South China Sea issue. I hope everyone will keep their eyes open and remain vigilant.”
Reference(s):
Chinese expert questions Marcos speech on South China Sea issue
cgtn.com
