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4. China's Basic Position on the Issue of the South China Sea
The core of the South China Sea issue rests with the territorial disputes on islands and reefs, and overlapping claims on maritime rights and interests in waters of the South China Sea, which are caused by the illegal occupation of some islands and reefs of China's Nansha Islands by some coastal countries. Formed in the long historic course, China's sovereignty and relevant rights in the South China Sea have solid historic and legal basis, and have been upheld by successive Chinese governments.
The basic guidelines for China's neighboring diplomacy is to build good-neighborly relations with and bringing harmony, security and proseprity to neighboring countries, and concentrate on the concept of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness. This conforms to the traditional Chinese culture, and is the strategic option of China. As a coastal country of the South China Sea, China has always been a staunch force for maintaining peace, stability and promoting cooperation and development. China is the last country that hopes to see any turbulence in its neighborhood, including in the South China Sea, which does not meet the common aspiration and interests of all parties including ASEAN countries.
Proceeding from the overall interests of safeguarding regional peace, stability and prosperity, and on the basis of respecting historic facts and international laws, the Chinese side has always adhered to resolving relevant disputes with sovereign states directly concerned, including the Philippines, through consultations and negotiations. This has been the consistent position of the Chinese side, and conforms to the consensus that China and ASEAN countries reached in the DOC.
In September 2013, China and ASEAN countries held the Sixth Senior Officials' Meeting and Ninth Joint Working Group Meeting on the Implementation of the DOC in China. All parties exchanged views on the full and effective implementation of the DOC and enhancement of maritime cooperation. Consultations on the COC were also held under the framework of implementing the DOC. The Tenth Joint Working Group Meeting on the implementation of the DOC recently held in Singapore by China and ASEAN countries scored progress in the COC consultation process. This is in sharp contrast with the consistent provocations on the South China Sea issue by the Philippine side, and fully reflects the utmost good-will and sincerity of the Chinese side's continuous commitment to peace and stability in the South China Sea.
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