US Navy's Interest in Cocos Islands and Indo-Pacific Defense Cooperation: China's Response

US Navy’s Interest in Cocos Islands and Indo-Pacific Defense Cooperation: China’s Response

August 6, 2024: The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that defense and security cooperation should promote regional peace, not target or harm other parties. They emphasized their consistent claims to sovereignty and maritime rights in the South China Sea, and refuted accusations of hindering freedom of navigation. Regarding a Chinese unmanned aircraft flying over Vietnam's EEZ, they referred to competent authorities for information. On the issue of readjusting Pakistan's energy debt, China expressed support and emphasized cooperation for mutual benefit. They declined to engage in hypothetical questions about debt readjustment and discussed security concerns in Balochistan and the potential for security cooperation with Pakistan to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel and projects.

advtanmoy 14/08/2024 5 minutes read

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning’s Remarks on August 6, 2024

AUGUST 06, 2024 23:23

Reuters: A US Navy construction tender published in June for various base infrastructure in the Indo-Pacific lists remote Australian island, the Cocos Islands, as a possible project location, an indication the US military is also seeking access to the Indian Ocean territory. US Navy said the locations “may or may not” support US Marines forces. Cocos Islands is closer to the Strait of Malacca, a chokepoint for half of China’s oil shipments. What is the Ministry’s response to this, if the Cocos Islands was selected by the US Navy for a project?

Mao Ning: Defense and security cooperation between nations should contribute to regional peace and stability, rather than target a third party or harm a third party’s interests. Relevant countries should do things that are conducive to peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific.

Reuters: It was reported that the Philippines and Germany pledged on Sunday to sign a defense cooperation agreement by the end of the year to uphold international rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific. Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro claimed that “The Philippines is not provoking China. We do not seek war.” But he reiterated Manila’s position, saying that “There is only one cause of conflict in the South China Sea. … It is China’s illegal and unilateral attempt to appropriate most, if not all, of the South China Sea as their internal waters.” German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said Germany’s commitments and engagements in the region “are not directed against anybody. Instead, we are focusing on maintaining rules-based order, securing freedom of navigation and protecting trade routes.” What is China’s comment?

Mao Ning: China’s claims regarding territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea are consistent with international law and universal practice. It is the Philippines, not China, that is creating problems in the South China Sea. Certain individuals in the Philippines should stop seeing things in the wrong way and stop making the baseless accusations.

There has been no problem with regard to freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. Any narrative that claims otherwise is simply false. We hope countries outside the region will do things that are conducive to peace and stability in the region.

Reuters: A Chinese unmanned military aircraft was seen flying over Vietnam’s EEZ on Friday, one researcher who monitors the South China Sea via flights and vessels tracking systems told Reuters, noting it was the first time such an aircraft flew over Vietnam’s EEZ with its transponder on, making it visible. Could the Ministry comment on this issue, and we would also like to seek clarity on whether the Vietnamese were notified of the flight?

Mao Ning: We do not have the information you are seeking at this point. Let me refer you to the competent authorities.

Financial Times: What’s China’s comment on readjusting Pakistan’s energy debt? The Pakistani Finance Minister requested that last week in Beijing and said that China attaches high importance to it. What’s your comment?

Mao Ning: I would like to refer you to competent authorities. China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic cooperative partners who always support each other and share weal and woe together. China has supported Pakistan in growing the economy, improving people’s livelihood and maintaining financial stability. China-Pakistan energy cooperation is carried out under the principles of extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit, and follows the law of market and commercial rules. Energy projects completed under the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor greatly eased Pakistan’s energy supply shortages, lowered electricity cost and boosted Pakistan’s socioeconomic development. We believe that with the joint effort of both sides, China-Pakistan energy cooperation will continue to be a success, and deliver more to our two peoples.

Financial Times: If the Chinese government would readjust key debts of the projects of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, what does China hope to get in return? How will this impact future investment in infrastructure, such as the Main Line-1 project?

Mao Ning: That is a hypothetical question. We will not get into this.

Financial Times: Is the Chinese government concerned about the conflict in Balochistan and its impact on the China-invested Gwadar Port?

Mao Ning: Both China and Pakistan attach great importance to the the safety and security of the Chinese people, projects and institutions in Pakistan. We believe Pakistan will continue to provide strong security in this regard.

Financial Times: Would the Chinese government expect Pakistan to allow the operation of Chinese private security companies in Pakistan to protect the security of Chinese workers there?

Mao Ning: China and Pakistan attach great importance to the safety and security of Chinese personnel, projects, and institutions in Pakistan. Pakistan has made tremendous efforts in this regard, which is appreciated by the Chinese side. We stand ready to work with Pakistan to deepen security cooperation and better protect the safety and security of Chinese personnel, projects, and institutions in Pakistan.