An influential Chinese paper said on Tuesday that China should ready its forces and to be prepared for an armed military confrontation a week ahead of a decision by an international court on a dispute between China and the Philippines.
Strains have been increasing prior to the release of the verdict by the Hague Permanent Court of Arbitration this coming July 12.
A China’s state-run Global Times joint editorials report, written in English and Chinese, it said that the dispute, having already been complicated by U.S. intervention, now faces further escalation due to the threat posed by the tribunal to China’s sovereignty.
“Recently Two United States carrier battle groups has been deployed around the South China Sea, and it needs to send a sign by flexing its muscles posing and showing as the greatest powerhouse in the region, it awaits China’s obedience,” it said.
China should accelerate its military deterrence abilities, the paper added.
“Despite the fact that China cannot keep up with the U.S. militarily in the short-term, it should be able to let the U.S. pay a cost it cannot stand if it intervenes by force in the South China Sea dispute,” it said.
“China hopes disputes can be resolved by talks, but it must be prepared for any military confrontation. This is common sense in international relations.”
The newspaper is published by the ruling Communist Party’s official People’s Daily, and while it is widely read in policy-making circles it does not have the same mouthpiece function as its parent.
China, which has been angered by U.S. patrols in the South China Sea, will be holding military drills in the disputed waters starting Wednesday.
China’s Defence Ministry said the drills are routine, the official China Daily reported.
U.S. officials have expressed concern that the Hague court ruling could prompt Beijing to declare an air defense identification zone, or ADIZ, as it did over the East China Sea in 2013.
What response China takes will “fully depend” on the Philippines, the China Daily added, citing unidentified sources.
“There will be no incident at all if all related parties put aside the arbitration results,” one of the sources told the English-language publication.
“China has never taken a lead in … stirring up regional tension,” another of the sources added.
The South China Sea is an energy-rich strategic waterway of about $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes every year and believes to have huge oil deposits where China’s territorial claims overlap in parts with Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan.-Carl E.
Just like in the days of old, Goliath was rattling it sword and mocking David but at the end of the day, Goliath’s head rolled. I do not see any difference between Goliath and China today. God is on our side and He will not leave us being bullied for so long. The whole country must seek the Lord God of light.
BETTER OA THAN SORRY, HOPE FOR THE BEST, PREPARE FOR THE WORST!
Even as we Filipinos denounce WAR as an instrument for PEACE, we have nothing to lose but everything to gain to be ready for any eventuality.
Even assuming that US and its allies will come to our rescue, in case China flexes its military muscles, that help may come a little late. Stated differently, we will be better off to be always ready to defend ourselves the best we can in the first few days, weeks, maybe months.
China will finish itself by taking on western countries . All these countries are united and if China provoke them it will be final countdown for them. China can’t standup with such a huge power .
“Tell this to the marines”
“There will be no incident at all if all related parties put aside the arbitration results.”
Sure there won’t be any incident if the arbitration result is set aside, but in the meantime China will continue its construction in the Spratly Island. Well here is the answer:
SCREW YOU CHINA!!!!