China reaffirms commitment to South China Sea as region of peace and cooperation

CHINA remains firmly committed to transforming the South China Sea into a “sea of peace, friendship, and cooperation,” according to a report released on Sunday by the Xinhua Institute, a think tank affiliated with the Xinhua News Agency.

Titled ‘Making the South China Sea a Sea of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation: China's Actions’, the bilingual report asserts that China has consistently acted as “a steadfast advocate, promoter, and guardian of peace and stability” in the region.

The report highlights China’s position that long-term stability in the South China Sea hinges on continued collaboration between China and member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). It argues that political, economic, and cultural cooperation has fostered mutual trust and lasting benefits for the region.

“China has always adhered to the principles of building the South China Sea into a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation: equal-footed consultation, rule-based co-management, mutually beneficial cooperation, and a constructive role,” it states.

The document calls for regional powers to keep solutions to South China Sea issues “in their own hands”, stressing the importance of maintaining “sound principles and direction” in managing maritime affairs. It also reiterates China's support for the idea of a maritime community with a shared future.

Experts have praised the report for its comprehensive approach. Zhang Jie, a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said it offers “historical depth” and clarifies China's principled stance with “factual examples” of its contributions to peace and stability.

Yang Xiao of the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations noted the report “creatively explains” China’s adherence to South China Sea principles, which underpin dialogue and cooperation with ASEAN.

Ma Chao of Hainan Normal University’s Maritime Silk Road Research Institute added that China’s cooperative initiatives reflect “a sincere commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region,” providing valuable insight for the international community into Beijing’s maritime policy. - June 8, 2025