BEIJING: “China Vows to ‘Crush’ Foreign Encroachment in South China Sea”, China will “crush” any foreign incursion into its sovereign territory including in the South China Sea, a senior Beijing military official said on Thursday (Sep 12) on the sidelines of a defence forum.
“We hope that the South China Sea will remain a sea of peace,” Chinese army Lieutenant-General He Lei told a small group of journalists including AFP at the Xiangshan forum.
But, he added, “if the United States moves its pawns behind the scenes, if it pushes countries to the front line, or if the US itself ends up on the front line, then we in the Chinese People’s Liberation Army … will never have any patience”.
“We in the Chinese People’s Liberation Army will resolutely crush any foreign hostile encroachment on China’s territorial, sovereign and maritime rights and interests with firm determination, staunch will, strong capability and effective means,” He said.
Washington and Beijing have intensified their verbal exchanges regarding China’s assertive actions in disputed maritime territories, including the South China Sea.
In recent months, the South China Sea has seen heightened tensions as Chinese vessels have clashed with Philippine ships. Beijing’s expansive claims over the area are in defiance of an international court ruling, which invalidates China’s assertions.
This ongoing dispute underscores the broader geopolitical friction between the two powers, with Washington criticizing Beijing’s aggressive stance and Beijing defending its territorial claims. The situation remains volatile, with potential implications for regional stability and international maritime law.
On Thursday, Lt Gen He said a resolution to those tensions “depends on the United States”.
