Media warns of military confrontation over south China Sea dispute

Tensions have been rising ahead of a July 12 ruling by an arbitration court hearing the argument between China and the Philippines over the South China Sea in the Dutch city of The Hague. In joint editorials in its Chinese and English editions, the state-run Global Times said the dispute, having already been complicated by US intervention, now faces further escalation due to the threat posed by the tribunal to China’s sovereignty.

“Washington has deployed two carrier battle groups around the South China Sea, and it wants to send a signal by flexing its muscles: As the biggest powerhouse in the region, it awaits China’s obedience,” it said. China should speed up developing its military deterrence abilities, the paper added. “Even though China cannot keep up with the US militarily in the short-term, it should be able to let the US pay a cost it cannot stand if it intervenes in the South China Sea dispute by force,” 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. It is also well-known for its extreme nationalist views. 

China, which has been angered by US patrols in the South China Sea, will be holding military drills in the waters there starting from Wednesday. China’s Defence Ministry said the drills are routine, the official China Daily reported. Manila has sought to dial down tensions with its powerful neighbour ahead of the decision but resisted pressure to ignore the ruling. 

“The reality is that nobody wants a conflict, nobody wants to resolve our conflict in a violent manner, nobody wants war,” said Philippines Foreign Minister Perfecto Yasay, on Tuesday. “It is my understanding that the President would like to maintain stronger, better relationships with everybody, including China, the United States, Japan and all,” Yasay said.