On Thursday, experts applauded the launch of a new bilingual report series titled "The Truths about the South China Sea," released by the Xinhua Institute. This think tank is part of Xinhua News Agency’s research arm and aims to shed light on the historical and legal foundations of China’s claims in the region. 🌊🗺️
2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. In this context, the reports trace how, after World War II, China resumed sovereignty over Nanhai Zhudao (known in English as the South China Sea Islands) under landmark treaties like the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation. According to the authors, international recognition of these actions has been widespread.
Li Guoqiang, deputy director at the Chinese Academy of History (part of CASS), notes that the series outlines a step-by-step journey of reclaiming and defending China’s maritime rights. "These reports reaffirm the legitimacy of our claims and showcase decades of work to uphold post-war order and regional stability," he said.
Building on centuries of exploration and governance, Wu Shicun, chairman of the Huayang Center for Maritime Cooperation and Ocean Governance, adds that China was "the first country to discover, name and develop Nanhai Zhudao and surrounding waters," exercising continuous, peaceful control ever since. He calls for ongoing research to collect and interpret historical evidence—like a global detective story spanning dynasties. 🔍🏝️
While the reports celebrate China’s peaceful development efforts—described as turning the South China Sea into a "sea of peace, friendship and cooperation"—they also point to challenges. In recent years, non-regional forces in the so-called "Indo-Pacific region" have stoked tensions by encouraging disputes among claimant states, including the Philippines.
Yang Xiao, a research fellow at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, highlights how the studies debunk misleading narratives. "By exposing acts of infringement, plunder and incitement," he said, "the reports cut through disinformation and defend the truth of the South China Sea."
As the region looks to the future, the reports aim to guide policymakers, students and global observers toward a positive path of dialogue and cooperation—inviting everyone to explore this critical maritime crossroads. 🤝🌍
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Experts endorse Xinhua think tank reports on South China Sea truths
cgtn.com
