China’s military leadership drew a red line on February 28, vowing to thwart any conspiracy aimed at fomenting unrest in the South China Sea. Spokesperson Senior Colonel Jiang Xiaokang of the Defense Ministry highlighted recent ‘joint patrols’ by Philippines, US, Japan, and Australia near Huangyan Island.
These operations, coupled with US-Philippines talks decrying China’s role in threatening peace and economic stability, prompted a vehement rebuttal. Jiang accused off-region actors like the US of sailing in to showcase power and spark confrontation, sowing seeds of turmoil.
The Philippines stands out as a serial offender, Jiang charged, repeatedly breaching China’s sovereignty and inciting friction that hurts regional harmony. China holds unquestionable rights over the islands and adjacent seas, he asserted unequivocally.
Addressing US finger-pointing on alleged nuclear blasts, Jiang refuted the claims point-by-point. China’s nuclear doctrine features no-first-use, defensive posture, essential minimum arsenal, rejection of proliferation races, and unwavering test moratorium compliance—never crossing treaty lines.
This declaration arrives amid heightened naval posturing, signaling Beijing’s unyielding defense of its claims. With vital shipping lanes at stake, the world watches as alliances test China’s patience in these contested waters.