Beijing: China has accused the United States of being the "biggest disruptor" of peace in the South China Sea, citing the deployment of missiles, as well as large-scale naval and air forces, as destabilizing factors in the region. Chinese envoy to the United Nations, Fu Cong, addressed the UN Security Council on Monday, emphasizing that the US has yet to sign the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

According to Anadolu Agency, Fu Cong highlighted that the US has introduced offensive weaponry, including land-based intermediate-range missiles, and has routinely sent substantial naval and air forces for reconnaissance and military exercises in the South China Sea. He expressed China's respect for Panama's sovereignty over the Panama Canal, emphasizing its recognition of the canal's permanent neutrality as an international waterway.

Fu accused Washington of showcasing its military power to create instability in the region, suggesting that the US aims to advance its geopolitical agenda. He urged the United States to engage in self-reflection and to approach its responsibilities as a major power with sincerity and good faith.

China criticized the selective application and perceived double standards of the UNCLOS, urging the international community to adhere strictly to the comprehensive legal framework governing oceans and seas. Fu called for enhanced international cooperation on law enforcement against maritime criminality and emphasized the importance of resolving historical maritime disputes through friendly consultations between directly concerned parties.

Highlighting the need for global governance to address emerging challenges, Fu advocated for true multilateralism and the UN's active role in addressing issues such as marine environmental protection, climate change, and rising sea levels. He concluded by reaffirming China's commitment to working with the international community to build a maritime community with a shared future, based on openness, inclusiveness, and win-win cooperation.