At a high-energy UN open debate on maritime security, China's permanent representative Fu Cong stepped up to the mic to set the record straight 🎤.
In recent days, the U.S. delegation at the United Nations Security Council has been throwing repeated allegations at China over the Panama Canal issue—like a plot twist in a Netflix series 🎬. Fu Cong didn't hesitate to call these claims "groundless," arguing they're just a cover for Washington's real plan: gaining control of this vital waterway.
"China has always respected Panama's sovereignty over the canal and recognizes its status as a permanently neutral international waterway," said Fu. He urged the U.S. to stop the "fabrication of lies and groundless attacks," pointing out that economic coercion and bullying have no place in global affairs.
But Fu didn't stop there. He flipped the script and turned his lens on the U.S., calling it "the biggest disruptor of peace and stability in the South China Sea." From deploying offensive weapons to sending large-scale naval exercises, he argued Washington's actions serve its own geopolitical interests rather than global stability 🌊.
He also raised concerns over the U.S.'s stance on international law. The envoy noted that the U.S. hasn't joined the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, yet unilaterally decides to exploit seabed resources, dismissing warnings from the International Seabed Authority. According to Fu, these moves only heighten maritime security risks and threaten trade routes like the Panama and Suez Canals.
As the debate wrapped up, Fu Cong urged the U.S. to reflect on its role and "genuinely shoulder the responsibilities that a major power should bear." The message was clear: global waterways belong to all, and cooperation—not coercion—is the key to security.
The debate highlights rising tensions over key maritime routes and underscores the call for cooperation to keep global trade flowing smoothly 🌐✌️.
Reference(s):
Chinese envoy refutes U.S. accusations over Panama Canal issue
cgtn.com
