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BEIJING, KOMPAS.com – China warned Britain and other Western countries not to send warships to the South China Sea.
“Panda State” affirms that its party will take the necessary measures to maintain its sovereignty.
The threat was made by China after news emerged that Britain’s newest aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth, would be deployed to the South China Sea in the coming months.
The planned deployment of HMS Queen Elizabeth in these waters is part of its first operational mission.
Throughout 2020, tensions between China and the West will continue to rise Sun, Saturday (1/2/2021).
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This tension stems from a number of reasons, including China’s handling of the corona virus pandemic, handling of protests in Hong Kong, and control of the South China Sea.
Meanwhile, the United States (US) frequently sends its ships through the South China Sea to challenge China’s claims on the region.
Furthermore, it is speculated that the UK will do the same when HMS Queen Elizabeth is fully operational.
The carrier is expected to join US and Japanese naval forces near Japan’s Ryukyu Islands as soon as possible in 2021, according to Kyodo News.
During a monthly press conference in Beijing on Thursday (12/31/2020), Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Tan Kefei was asked about the planned deployment of HMS Queen Elizabeth in the South China Sea.
Also read: EU puts pressure on ASEAN to respond to South China Sea conflict with non-militarization
“China believes that the South China Sea should not be a sea of fierce competition dominated by weapons and warships,” Tan said.
He added that the real reasons for the militarization of the South China Sea came from countries outside the region.
The reason is that China maintains that foreign powers send their ships to the South China Sea, thousands of kilometers from home.
“The Chinese military will take the necessary actions to safeguard its sovereignty, security and development interests, as well as peace and stability in the South China Sea,” Tan said.
Several countries, including China, Taiwan, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam, have made claims about parts of the South China Sea.
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In addition, several other countries want to maintain access to sea routes in the area.
The South China Sea is said to be very attractive because world trade worth 3.4 trillion US dollars (Rp 48.326 trillion) passes through these waters every year.
This figure represents about a third of all world maritime trade.
In addition, the South China Sea has abundant fish stocks, as well as large oil and gas reserves.
Also read: US will find new ways to collaborate with Indonesia in the South China Sea
In recent years, China has drawn international condemnation for the construction of its military bases in the disputed waters.
Satellite images also show Chinese fighter jets deployed to islands in the region.
The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague in 2016 concluded that there was no evidence that China had historically exercised exclusive control over its waters or resources.
The ruling said there is no legal basis for China to claim historic rights to resources in the South China Sea.
Also read: PM Suga: Southeast Asia is the key to seeking peace in the South China Sea
