What is Chinas Position in the South China Sea?
Chinese Embassy Press Release, China Embassy Report on South China Sea, date unknown. China’s claims to the areas of the South China Sea are based on an historical basis. Vietnam, the Philippines and Malaysia have used military means to occupy some of China’s reefs in the Nansha Islands. China stands for negotiating a settlement through peaceful means and always has. In fact, it was China who suggested joint development of the disputed areas. There is no crisis in the South China Sea and reports that tensions in the area are building is simply contrary to the facts. (See this article online) Address by Premier Zhu Rongji of the PRC at the ASEAN Informal Summit, November 28,1999. China aims to deepen and expand mutual trust with the members of ASEAN. China and ASEAN will continue their trend towards peaceful coexistence through bilateral cooperation. Furthermore, China will adhere to the principles of the China-ASEAN Joint Statement calling for the peaceful settlement of conflicts. Chin
