China’s military has pledged to “crush” any foreign encroachment into its sovereign territory, including in the disputed South China Sea, according to Lieutenant General He Lei at the Xiangshan forum in Beijing.
The remarks come amid rising tensions between Washington and Beijing over China’s assertive stance in the South China Sea. Despite an international court ruling rejecting China’s expansive claims in the region, Beijing has continued to engage in high-profile confrontations with Philippine vessels.
General He Lei stated, “We hope that the South China Sea will remain a sea of peace.” However, he warned that if the United States or its allies push for conflict, China’s People’s Liberation Army would respond with “firm determination” and “strong capability.”
On Wednesday, China and the Philippines engaged in discussions about the South China Sea, focusing on cooperation and mechanisms to manage disputes. Both sides agreed to continue talks on cooperation areas, including coast guard coordination and marine scientific research.
General He also suggested that the resolution of US-China tensions depends on Washington’s actions. He expressed hope that US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Michael Chase, who is attending the Xiangshan forum, would heed China’s concerns and work towards a cooperative relationship.
The Xiangshan forum, China’s equivalent to Singapore’s Shangri-La Dialogue, is hosting over 500 delegates from more than 90 countries and international organizations. The forum will feature speeches and discussions from top military representatives from around the world, including Russia, Pakistan, Singapore, Iran, and Germany.
