Top Chinese military commander pledges to retaliate against ‘unjust provocation’ over maritime disputes

At naval symposium, senior PLA commander Zhang Youxia calls for dialogue, abandoning ‘cold war mentality’ amid elevated regional tensions

Philippines is notably absent from four-day forum in Qingdao, which includes officials from 29 countries

Reading Time:2 minutes

Zhang Youxia, vice-chairman of the CPC Central Military Commission, salutes before addressing the Western Pacific Navy Symposium in Qingdao, in eastern China’s Shandong province. Photo: AP

Published: 8:45pm, 22 Apr 2024Updated: 8:52pm, 22 Apr 2024

A top commander from the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has pledged to take “firm countermeasures” against “unjust provocation” over maritime disputes amid elevated tensions in the South China Sea.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 19th Western Pacific Naval Symposium in the port city of Qingdao, General Zhang Youxia, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission, called for abandoning the “cold war mentality” and bridging differences through dialogue.

“China has been committed to resolving maritime disputes peacefully through friendly consultation with countries directly concerned, but it will safeguard its legitimate rights in the face of deliberate violation of its sovereignty and it will take firm countermeasures against unreasonable provocations,” Zhang was quoted as saying by state news agency Xinhua.

“We will not stir up trouble but will never be afraid of trouble, and the Chinese military will resolutely defend the unity of the country and national interests,” he added.

The forum took place against a backdrop of intensified clashes between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea, where they have overlapping territorial disputes. Tensions are also running high in the Taiwan Strait and the East China Sea.

Delegates pose for a group photo before the opening ceremony of the 19th Western Pacific Naval Symposium in Qingdao on Monday. Photo: AFP

The regional event, held in China for the second time since it was established in 1988, was attended by naval personnel from 29 countries. However, no navy representatives from the Philippines, which is a member state, were at this year’s forum.

Liang Wei, a senior officer with China’s Naval Research Academy, said that all member countries and observer states had been invited, adding it was not clear why the Philippines did not attend the four-day event, according to state media.