China defends intl rule of law in South China Sea, says minister

China's lawful actions to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights in the South China Sea are a firm defense of the post-war order and international rule of law, Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun said on Thursday at the 12th Beijing Xiangshan Forum.

Dong stressed that in the South China Sea, China has worked with regional countries to advance the implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties and accelerate consultations on a Code of Conduct, noting that consensus and joint efforts for peace and development are taking shape.

However, the defense chief pointed out that some countries outside the region, under the pretext of so-called freedom of navigation, together with certain claimant states invoking so-called international arbitration, are openly challenging the basic norms of international relations.

"China's lawful actions to safeguard territorial sovereignty and maritime rights are a firm defense of the post-war order and international rule of law," he said, adding that the world is entering a new period of turbulence and transformation, with a "widening global governance deficit".

He noted that China's newly proposed Global Governance Initiative points the way forward for reforming and improving global governance, and that military security and defense cooperation play a critical role in that process.

"The Chinese military stands ready to work with all parties to help build a more just and equitable global governance system," said Dong. "For the armed forces, it is essential to uphold sovereignty and equality, which are the cornerstone of global governance."

External military interference, pursuit of spheres of influence and coercion to pick sides run counter to the principle of sovereign equality and will plunge the international community into turmoil and conflict, he warned.

"We must follow the trend of the times, respect the development paths chosen by all countries and their security concerns," he said.

Dong added that as a strategic support for safeguarding national sovereignty, armed forces must not only defend their own sovereignty from infringement but also respect the sovereignty and rights of other countries.