South China Sea: The Real Deal, Not a Safari Park or Battlefield
On Monday, July 25, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi fired back at the notion that the South China Sea is an exotic playground for outsiders or a battleground for global giants. He made this clear at a virtual seminar celebrating the 20th anniversary of the “Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.”
Wang’s Bottom Line
- “It’s not a safari park for foreign nations.”
- “It’s not a fighting arena for superpowers.”
- “If you’re from the region, you’re the ones who should steer this debate.”
He gave his side with a dash of wit—imagine topping a debate with a pinwheel of humor. He leaned into the fact that the sea belongs to those who live near it, not to distant powers hovering like tourists at a wildlife reserve.
Why This Matters
While contenders like the Philippines and the United States continue to claim their stake, Wang’s comments serve as a reminder that the region’s future should be decided by its own communities. In short, it’s a call for regional ownership, not foreign theatrics.
“People are on the hook—this isn’t a game of chess with exotic kings and queens,” he added, hinting that the South China Sea deserves its stores of real-world concerns rather than being turned into a staged competition.
