Beijing signals high hopes for South China Sea 'golden rules' by end of yearA China Coast Guard vessel 21559 uses a water cannon against Philippines Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources ship BRP Datu Pagbuaya in the South China Sea, in this handout image released by the Philippine Coast Guard on Oct 12, 2025. Beijing claims sovereignty over almost all the islands and rock features in the South China Sea and in their adjacent waters. "Peace, cooperation and friendship are shaping a new narrative for the South China Sea," the foreign minister said. He argued that through Wang's remarks, Beijing sought to place the South China Sea and regional security within a larger international strategic context. "Beijing's message is clear: the stability of the South China Sea is critical to the security and development of the entire Asia-Pacific region, not a battlefield for geopolitical rivalry."

Source: Bangkok Post March 09, 2026 05:40 UTC