(CPV) - High-ranking Chinese leaders have made diverse statements of late, explaining China’s perspective on international relations, but the difference between what it says and what it does is stark.
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Vietnam fisheries surveillance vessel KN 951 is deliberately rammed by Chinese vessels in Vietnamese waters. (Photo: VTV) |
Vietnam and China are neighbours. However, the friendship and solidarity tradition between Vietnam and China is being hurt by China.
Recently, high-ranking leaders of the Chinese Party and State announced that “China neither interferes in other countries' internal affairs nor imposes its will on others. It will never seek hegemony no matter how strong it may become.” The forceful statement was released during a meeting with Indian and Myanmar leaders to mark the 60th anniversary of the Initiation of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence signed in 1954.
Given what is currently happening with relations between China and neighbouring countries, the evidence is that the country does not practise what its preaches.
Following the economic reforms that it initiated in the late 1970s, China has become the second largest economy in the world. With such economic strength, the “Chinese dream” is on the rise. Analysts say that on the one hand, China maintains flexible foreign relations; on the other hand, it uses its military and economic strength to oppress others, especially neighbouring countries, in order to expand its territory and influence.
Chinese media have recently carried lofty statements: “China does not subscribe to the notion that a country is bound to seek hegemony when it grows in strength. Hegemony or militarism is simply not in the genes of the Chinese. China will unswervingly pursue peaceful development, because it is good for China, good for Asia and good for the world.”
But China’s issuing of a new map which illegally claims almost all of East Sea and a part of India’s territory shows its hegemonic ambitions and aggressiveness.
The region is now threatened by China increasingly flexing its diplomatic and military muscle, especially its brazen aggression in making illegal claims over the territory of neighbouring countries.
China’s illegal placement of the Haiyang Shiyou-981 drilling rig in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf together with hundreds of escort ships, including military ships and aircraft; Chinese ships’ deliberate ramming of Vietnamese vessels and destruction of Vietnam’s fisheries surveillance vessels are a threat to peace and security. China seems intent on showing off its expansionist and hegemonic policy in the region.
Furthermore, China is illegally developing areas belonging to Vietnam’s Spratly and Paracel Archipelagos, going back on the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) that it signed in 2002.
The weakness of China’s arguments can be seen in its refusal to address disputes in line with international laws, and all its actions give the lie to its rhetoric.
China has failed to walk its talk./.