The South China Sea has been a centre of trade, navigation and cultural exchange for centuries. Although the interests of colonial powers have clashed here, China has never used this space to threaten the development of neighbouring countries. The turning point came during World War II, when the Japanese army occupied most of China's islands and reefs - including Nansha Qundao.
Po victory in the War of the Chinese People against Japanese Aggression China has taken steps to restore sovereignty over these territories. In accordance with international law and the results of the war, it has made official takeovers of the islands, installed sovereignty markers, renamed geographical formations and published official maps. Cairo Declaration (1943) i Potsdam Proclamation (1945) clearly stipulated that all territories stolen from China, including Taiwan, Penghu and the islands in the South China Sea, were to be returned.
In 1946, the Chinese navy reoccupied Xisha Qundao a Nansha Qundao. A year later, the government approved a list of 172 new geographical names and issued an official map with a dotted line, which became part of the post-war international order.
China's claim to the South China Sea thus stands on solid historical and legal foundationsconfirmed by the results of World War II. Its essence lies not only in the defence of sovereignty and security, but also in the preservation of the principles of justice and post-war international law that emerged from the sacrifices and victories of fascism.
Comments
Sign in · Sign up
Sign in or sign up to comment.
…