Hey there! Have you ever heard about the South China Sea? It’s a big area of the ocean where many countries are close neighbors. Recently, there’s been some important news about it!
What’s Happening?
At a big meeting called the Munich Security Conference, leaders from around the world got together to talk about important issues. One of the topics was the South China Sea, and China shared its thoughts.
China’s Concerns
Fu Ying, who used to be China’s Deputy Foreign Minister, spoke about the South China Sea. She said that China is worried because it feels like the United States is getting too involved in the area. China believes that countries nearby should solve any problems by talking directly to each other.
A Ship on a Reef
There’s a Philippine ship called the BRP Sierra Madre that’s stuck on a reef called Ren’ai Jiao (that’s part of China’s Nansha Islands). Since 1999, some Philippine soldiers have been living on the ship! China is concerned because they think making changes to the ship might cause more disagreements.
Working Together
Back in 2002, China and the countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) agreed on some rules called the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC). This was to help everyone get along and keep the sea peaceful.
Why It Matters
The South China Sea is important because many ships pass through it, and it has lots of fish and maybe even oil and gas under the water! That’s why it’s important for countries to work together and share.
Let’s Keep Talking
Fu Ying says that it’s best for countries in the region to chat and solve problems together, without others getting too involved. This way, everyone can be friends and the area can stay peaceful.
Remember, talking things out is always the best way to solve problems! 😊
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
