In a resounding show of unity, three more nations have joined India in rejecting China’s recently unveiled map, dismissing it as “baseless” and “without merit.” This move comes as tensions between China and its neighbors escalate over territorial disputes.
Vietnam, the Philippines, and Malaysia have all officially voiced their rejection of China’s map, which claims vast portions of the South China Sea as its territory. These nations vehemently assert their sovereignty over the disputed waters and have decried China’s unilateral actions as a threat to regional stability.
Vietnam, which shares a long history of territorial conflicts with China, was quick to denounce the map. Vietnamese Foreign Minister Nguyen Phu Trong stated, “We reject China’s map as it infringes upon our sovereignty and violates international law. Besides, Vietnam will defend its territory and rights with all necessary means.”
The Philippines, another claimant in the South China Sea dispute, echoed this sentiment. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte stated, “We stand united against China’s baseless claims. The South China Sea belongs to the world, not to one nation.” The Philippines has called for a peaceful resolution to the dispute through multilateral negotiations.
Malaysia, while traditionally maintaining a more cautious stance, has now firmly rejected China’s map. Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob emphasized that his country would protect its sovereignty in the South China Sea. “We do not recognize any claims that infringe upon our territory. We stand with our neighbors in upholding international law,” he said.
This collective rejection of China’s map follows India’s earlier refusal to accept the updated version of the map, which includes disputed regions in the Himalayas and the state of Arunachal Pradesh as part of Chinese territory. India’s Ministry of External Affairs declared the map as “untenable” and emphasized the need for dialogue to resolve the border dispute.
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The international community has been closely monitoring these developments, with concerns growing over China’s assertive actions in territorial disputes. Further, the United States, in particular, has expressed support for the nations challenging China’s claims and has called for a peaceful resolution to the South China Sea dispute.
China, however, remains steadfast in its position, asserting that the map accurately represents its territorial claims and historical rights. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying stated, “China’s claims are based on historical facts and international law. We hope for peaceful dialogue but will defend our sovereignty.”
As tensions continue to simmer in the South China Sea and along the Sino-Indian border, diplomatic efforts to find a peaceful resolution remain paramount. Also, the rejection of China’s map by multiple nations sends a strong message that disputes in the region should be resolved through dialogue and adherence to international law, rather than unilateral actions and claims.
