Autonomy rather than reliance, technological blockades, Marco Polo, and infringement and provocation
Michael Horlick, MPM, M Ed., PMP
Educator, Lexicographer, and Incurable Idealist
Terms to note from today’s PRC Ministry of Foreign Affairs press conference:
中方高度重视中欧关系，始终认为，中欧关系的正确定位应当是伙伴而不是对手，主流基调应当是合作而不是竞争，关键价值应当是自主而不是依赖，发展前景应当是共赢而不是对抗。?
China attaches great importance to China-EU relations, and believes that in the context of China-EU relations, the two sides should be characterized rightly as partners, not rivals. Cooperation, rather than competition, should be the defining feature of the relationship, autonomy, rather than reliance, its key value, and win-win, rather than confrontation, its future.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on September 2, 2024)
中方高度重视中欧关系，始终认为，中欧关系的正确定位应当是伙伴而不是对手，主流基调应当是合作而不是竞争，关键价值应当是自主而不是依赖，发展前景应当是共赢而不是对抗。?
China attaches great importance to China-EU relations, and believes that in the context of China-EU relations, the two sides should be characterized rightly as partners, not rivals. Cooperation, rather than competition, should be the defining feature of the relationship, autonomy, rather than reliance, its key value, and win-win, rather than confrontation, its future.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on September 2, 2024)?
Today’s quote:
中方高度重视中欧关系，始终认为，中欧关系的正确定位应当是伙伴而不是对手，主流基调应当是合作而不是竞争，关键价值应当是自主而不是依赖，发展前景应当是共赢而不是对抗。?
China attaches great importance to China-EU relations, and believes that in the context of China-EU relations, the two sides should be characterized rightly as partners, not rivals. Cooperation, rather than competition, should be the defining feature of the relationship, autonomy, rather than reliance, its key value, and win-win, rather than confrontation, its future.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on September 2, 2024)?
Previous PRC history of the term:
?? 事实上，中德共识远多于分歧，合作远大于竞争，双方是伙伴而不是对手。?
In fact, between China and Germany, there are far more common understandings than differences, and our cooperation far outweighs competition.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on July 14, 2023)?
?? 中德是全方位战略伙伴，今年是两国建交50周年，半世纪以来的交往合作已充分证明，两国的共识远多于分歧，合作远大于竞争，双方是伙伴而不是对手，均从对方的发展和中德务实合作中获益。?
China and Germany are comprehensive strategic partners. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Germany. Our half a century of exchanges and cooperation has fully demonstrated the fact that the convergence of our views far outweighs our differences, and that our cooperation far outweighs our competition. China and Germany are partners, not rivals. Both countries have benefited from each other’s growth and practical bilateral cooperation.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on November 3, 2022)?
?? 中欧是伙伴而不是对手，双方经济联系密切，有很强互补性，中欧合作远大于竞争。?
China and the EU are partners, not rivals. Our economies are closely linked and highly complementary. Our cooperation far outweighs competition.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on October 17, 2022)
Today’s quote:
中国始终致力于维护全球产供链安全稳定，始终执行公正、合理、非歧视的出口管制措施。个别国家为维护自身霸权，将正常的经贸合作政治化、泛安全化，诱压他国搞对华科技封锁，人为扰乱全球产供链稳定，中方对此一贯坚决反对。我们希望相关国家坚持市场原则与契约精神，抵制经济胁迫做法，共同维护全球产供链稳定。?
China is committed to keeping the global industrial and supply chains secure and stable, and has kept our export control measures just, reasonable and non-discriminatory. Certain country, in order to perpetuate its supremacy, has been turning normal economic cooperation and trade into political and security issues, co-opting other countries to join the tech blockade against China and deliberately disrupting global industrial and supply chains. China firmly rejects this. We hope relevant countries will uphold market principles and the spirit of contract, say no to economic coercion, and jointly uphold the stability of the global industrial and supply chains.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on September 2, 2024)?
Previous PRC history of the term:
?? 关于半导体问题，个别国家为维护自身霸权，将正常的经贸合作政治化、泛安全化，诱压他国搞对华科技封锁，人为扰乱全球产供链稳定。?
When it comes to semiconductors, certain country, to perpetuate its supremacy, has been turning normal economic cooperation and trade into political and security issues, either enticing or coercing other countries to join its tech blockade against China, and deliberately disrupting global supply and industrial chains.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on August 1, 2024)?
?? 中方一贯反对美国泛化国家安全概念，以各种借口胁迫其他国家搞对华科技封锁。?
China opposes the US’s overstretching the national security concept and using all sorts of pretexts to coerce other countries into joining its technological blockade against China.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on January 2, 2024)?
?? 中方一贯反对美国泛化国家安全概念，滥用出口管制，以各种借口拉拢胁迫其他国家搞对华科技封锁。?
China opposes the US’s overstretching the national security concept, abusing export control tools, using all sorts of pretexts to cajole or coerce other countries into joining its technological blockade against China.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on June 30, 2023)?
?? 美方所谓“护栏”是彻头彻尾的科技封锁和保护主义行径。美国为维护自身霸权，不断泛化国家安全概念，滥用出口管制措施，甚至不惜牺牲盟友利益，胁迫一些国家围堵遏制中国，人为推动产业脱钩断链，严重违反市场经济规律和公平竞争原则，严重阻碍世界经济复苏和发展。我们对此坚决反对，已多次向美方提出严正交涉。中方将继续坚定维护中国企业的正当合法权益。?
The “guardrails” proposed by the US are sci-tech blockade measures and protectionist in nature. In its pursuit of primacy, the US has overstretched the concept of national security, abused export control measures, and even coerced some of its allies to block and contain China and attempt to fragment the industrial chains at the latter’s expense. This gravely violates the law of the market economy and the principle of fair competition and impedes world economic recovery and development. We firmly reject this and have made serious démarches to the US side on multiple occasions. China will continue to firmly defend the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of Chinese companies.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on March 22, 2023)
Today’s quote:
明年是中欧建交50周年，中方愿同欧方一道，坚持伙伴定位，深化战略沟通，开展对话合作，妥处分歧摩擦，特别是要深化人文交流，共同打造“新时代的马可·波罗”，进一步提升中欧关系的稳定性、建设性、互惠性和全球性，为增进双方人民福祉、促进世界稳定繁荣作出更大贡献。?
Next year marks the 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic relations. China stands ready to work with the EU to remain each other’s partners, deepen strategic communication, carry out dialogue and cooperation, properly settle differences and frictions, in particular deepen cultural and people-to-people exchanges—we expect to find people who will follow Marco Polo’s steps in the new era, and make sure the China-EU relations will become more stable and constructive, deliver more mutual benefit and contribute more globally. By working together, China and the EU can and will contribute more to the wellbeing of the two peoples and a stable and prosperous world.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on September 2, 2024)?
Previous PRC history of the term:
领英推荐
?? 双方将以今年纪念马可·波罗逝世700周年为契机，深化文化、教育、旅游、体育领域交流合作，让两国友好更加深入人心。?
This year marks the 700th anniversary of Marco Polo’s death. The two countries will use this opportunity to deepen exchanges and cooperation in culture, education, tourism, sports, and other fields, and further strengthen the bond between the two countries.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on July 31, 2024)?
?? 2000多年来，佛教、伊斯兰教、基督教等先后传入中国，中国音乐、绘画、文学等也不断吸纳外来文明的优长。中国传统画法同西方油画融合创新，形成了独具魅力的中国写意油画，徐悲鸿等大师的作品受到广泛赞赏。中国的造纸术、火药、印刷术、指南针四大发明带动了世界变革，推动了欧洲文艺复兴。中国哲学、文学、医药、丝绸、瓷器、茶叶等传入西方，渗入西方民众日常生活之中。《马可·波罗游记》令无数人对中国心向往之。?
In the course of some two thousand years and more, Buddhism, Islam and Christianity have been introduced into China successively, which allowed the country's music, painting and literature to benefit from the advantages of other civilizations. China's freehand oil painting is an innovative combination of China's traditional painting and the Western oil painting, and the works of Xu Beihong and other masters have been widely acclaimed. China's Four Great Inventions, namely, papermaking, gunpowder, movable-type printing and compass, led to changes in the world, including the European Renaissance. China's philosophy, literature, medicine, silk, porcelain and tea reached the West and became part of people's daily life. The Travels of Marco Polo generated a widespread interest in China.? (Xi Jinping_Speech at UNESCO headquarters_March 27, 2014)
Today’s quote:
仙宾礁是中国南沙群岛的一部分。8月31日，在仙宾礁潟湖长时间非法滞留的菲律宾海警船以不专业、危险方式故意冲撞中方现场维权的海警船，造成双方船只发生碰撞。中方依法采取必要应对措施，正当合法，无可非议。菲方有关行径严重侵犯中方主权，严重违反国际法和《南海各方行为宣言》。中方要求菲方立即撤走非法滞留的船只，立即停止侵权挑衅。中方将继续依法采取坚决有力措施，维护自身的领土主权和海洋权益，维护《南海各方行为宣言》的严肃性和有效性，同时我们也愿同菲方通过外交渠道保持对话沟通，妥善处理有关问题，管控好海上局势。?
Xianbin Jiao is part of China’s Nansha Qundao. On August 31 [2024], the Philippine Coast Guard vessel, which has been illegally anchoring in the lagoon of Xianbin Jiao for weeks now, acted unprofessionally and dangerously by deliberately ramming China Coast Guard vessel which was there to safeguard China’s sovereignty and lawful rights, resulting in the collision of the vessels. The Chinese side responded with necessary measures in accordance with the law, which was fully justified, lawful and beyond reproach. The Philippines’ moves gravely infringe upon China’s sovereignty and violate international law and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC). China asks the Philippines to immediately withdraw the vessel illegally anchored in the lagoon, and stop infringement activities and provocations at once. China will continue to take resolute measures in accordance with law to safeguard our territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and uphold the sanctity and effectiveness of the DOC. Meanwhile, we are ready to maintain dialogue and communication with the Philippines through diplomatic channels to properly address relevant issues and put the maritime situation under control.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on September 2, 2024)?
Previous PRC history of the term:
?? 一段时间以来，菲方频繁派出海警船、公务船等强闯仙宾礁附近海域，企图向在仙宾礁潟湖长时间滞留的菲海警船实施补给，谋求实现长期存在。菲方此举严重侵犯了中方主权、严重违反了《南海各方行为宣言》，破坏了南海和平稳定。中方敦促菲方立即停止侵权挑衅，立即撤走有关船只。中方将继续依法采取坚决有力措施，维护自身的领土主权和海洋权益，维护《南海各方行为宣言》的严肃性。?
For some time, the Philippines has repeatedly sent coast guard vessels and official vessels to intrude into the adjacent waters of Xianbin Jiao in an attempt to send supplies to the Philippine coast guard vessel, which has been anchoring in the lagoon of Xianbin Jiao for a long time, and seek long-term presence there. The Philippines’ move seriously infringes on China’s sovereignty, violates the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), and threatens the peace and stability in the South China Sea. China urges the Philippines to stop the infringement and provocation activities at once, and withdraw the vessel immediately. China will continue to take resolute measures in accordance with law to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests and uphold the sanctity of the DOC.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on August 26, 2024)?
?? 关于近期中菲在仁爱礁海域发生的事态，中方已多次介绍情况，阐明立场。仁爱礁是中国领土，造成当前局势的根源在于菲方侵权挑衅。菲方应当立即停止侵权挑衅，回到通过对话协商妥处分歧的轨道上来。?
We have said clearly several times what recently happened between China and the Philippines near Ren’ai Jiao and what our position is. Ren’ai Jiao is China’s territory. The root cause of the current situation is that the Philippines infringed on China’s rights and made deliberate provocations. The Philippines needs to stop those infringement activities and provocations at once, and return as soon as possible to the track of resolving differences through dialogue and consultation.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on July 2, 2024)?
?? 关于第一个问题，包括仁爱礁在内的南沙群岛是中国固有领土，这有着充分的历史和法理依据。近一段时间以来，菲方背信弃义，多次派船冲闯仁爱礁海域，企图向非法“坐滩”军舰运送建筑材料、武器弹药等，这是造成事态升级的直接原因。特别是6月17日，菲方还故意以危险方式冲撞中方船只，并向中方人员抛掷石块，有关行径严重违反国际法规定，严重危及双方人员和船艇安全，严重破坏地区和平稳定。面对菲方的侵权挑衅，中方理所当然要采取维权执法措施，这完全合理合法、专业规范。需要强调的是，仁爱礁问题不关美国的事。美方怂恿支持菲方侵权挑衅是十分危险的，也是极其不负责任的。至于美方动辄拿《美菲共同防御条约》威胁中方，这是完全没用的。?
Nansha Qundao including Ren'ai Jiao is China's inherent territory, which is fully backed by historical and jurisprudential basis. The Philippine side recently broke its promises and sent ships into waters adjacent to Ren'ai Jiao multiple times to transport construction materials, weapons and ammunitions to its illegally grounded warship. This is the direct reason of an escalation of the situation.In particular, on June 17th [2024], the Philippine side deliberately rammed Chinese vessels in a dangerous way and threw rocks at Chinese personnel. Relevant behaviors violate international law, endanger crews and ships of the two sides and undermine regional peace and stability. Facing infringements and provocation made by the Philippine side, the Chinese side has every reason to take law enforcement measures, which is completely legitimate, lawful and professional. I want to emphasize that the Ren'ai Jiao issue has nothing to do with the US. It's very dangerous and extremely irresponsible for the US to encourage and support the Philippines in infringements and provocative actions. And it's no use to threaten the Chinese side with the US-Philippine Mutual Defense Treaty.? (Regular Press Conference of the Ministry of National Defense on June 27, 2024)?
?? 美方所谓“航行自由”是个伪命题。举个例子，南海是世界上航行最自由、最安全的海域之一，美方却一再拿“航行自由”说事，这是毫无道理的，其目的不过是借此插手地区事务、维护美霸权而已。中方一贯尊重各国依据包括《联合国海洋法公约》在内的国际法享有的航行和飞越自由，但航行不是“横行”，自由不能妄为。我们坚决反对“横行自由”，坚决反对任何国家以“航行自由”为名进行侵权挑衅，损害沿岸国主权和安全，危害地区和平与稳定。?
The so-called "freedom of navigation" is a false proposition. Take the South China Sea as an example, it is untenable for the US to make an issue of "freedom of navigation" when the South China Sea is one of the world's freest and safest waters for navigation. The true purpose of the US is to use it as an excuse for meddling in regional affairs and maintaining its own hegemony. The Chinese side always respects the freedom of navigation and overflight entitled to countries under international law including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). However, there is a huge difference between navigation and trespassing and between freedom and willfulness. We firmly stand against "willful trespassing" and oppose any country conducting unlawful provocations in the name of "freedom of navigation" to harm the sovereignty and security of coastal countries and undermine regional peace and stability.? (Regular Press Conference of the Ministry of National Defense on May 30, 2024)
根据《联合国海洋法公约》有关规定，吐噶喇海峡是用于国际航行的海峡，中方船只过航该海峡是行使过境通行权，完全正当合法。关于日方称中国军机进入日本领空，上周中方已经作出了回应，阐明了立场。我想强调的是，没有必要刻意关联和过度解读，中方致力于维护地区和平稳定的立场是一贯的。?
Pursuant to relevant UNCLOS articles, the Tokara Strait can be sured [sic] for international navigation, and by sailing through the strait, the Chinese vessel was exercising its right of transit passage, which is fully lawful and legitimate. Regarding Japan’s claim about the entry of a Chinese military airplane into Japanese airspace, the Chinese side responded to the question and made its position clear last week. There is no need to arbitrarily link or interpret them. China remains firmly committed to the peace and stability in this region.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on September 2, 2024)
Today’s quote:
仙宾礁是中国南沙群岛的一部分。8月31日，在仙宾礁潟湖长时间非法滞留的菲律宾海警船以不专业、危险方式故意冲撞中方现场维权的海警船，造成双方船只发生碰撞。中方依法采取必要应对措施，正当合法，无可非议。菲方有关行径严重侵犯中方主权，严重违反国际法和《南海各方行为宣言》。中方要求菲方立即撤走非法滞留的船只，立即停止侵权挑衅。中方将继续依法采取坚决有力措施，维护自身的领土主权和海洋权益，维护《南海各方行为宣言》的严肃性和有效性，同时我们也愿同菲方通过外交渠道保持对话沟通，妥善处理有关问题，管控好海上局势。?
Xianbin Jiao is part of China’s Nansha Qundao. On August 31 [2024], the Philippine Coast Guard vessel, which has been illegally anchoring in the lagoon of Xianbin Jiao for weeks now, acted unprofessionally and dangerously by deliberately ramming China Coast Guard vessel which was there to safeguard China’s sovereignty and lawful rights, resulting in the collision of the vessels. The Chinese side responded with necessary measures in accordance with the law, which was fully justified, lawful and beyond reproach. The Philippines’ moves gravely infringe upon China’s sovereignty and violate international law and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC). China asks the Philippines to immediately withdraw the vessel illegally anchored in the lagoon, and stop infringement activities and provocations at once. China will continue to take resolute measures in accordance with law to safeguard our territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and uphold the sanctity and effectiveness of the DOC. Meanwhile, we are ready to maintain dialogue and communication with the Philippines through diplomatic channels to properly address relevant issues and put the maritime situation under control.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on September 2, 2024)?
Previous PRC history of the term:
?? 仙宾礁是中国南沙群岛的一部分。8月25日，菲律宾渔业与水产资源局公务船不顾中方坚决反对和一再劝阻，执意侵闯中国南沙群岛仙宾礁附近海域，并以危险方式故意冲撞现场执法的中方海警船。造成双方船只发生碰撞的责任完全在菲方。中国海警依据国内法和国际法对菲方船只采取必要处置措施，现场操作专业、克制、规范。一段时间以来，菲方频繁派出海警船、公务船等强闯仙宾礁附近海域，企图向在仙宾礁潟湖长时间滞留的菲海警船实施补给，谋求实现长期存在。菲方此举严重侵犯了中方主权、严重违反了《南海各方行为宣言》，破坏了南海和平稳定。中方敦促菲方立即停止侵权挑衅，立即撤走有关船只。中方将继续依法采取坚决有力措施，维护自身的领土主权和海洋权益，维护《南海各方行为宣言》的严肃性。?
Xianbin Jiao is part of China’s Nansha Qundao. On August 25, an official vessel of Philippines’ Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, ignoring China’s firm opposition and repeated dissuasion, intruded into the adjacent waters of Xianbin Jiao of China’s Nansha Qundao, and acted dangerously by deliberately ramming the China Coast Guard vessel that was carrying out law enforcement operation. The responsibility of causing the collision fully lies with the Philippines. China Coast Guard took necessary measures in accordance with domestic and international law. Its maneuvers at the scene were professional, restrained and appropriate. For some time, the Philippines has repeatedly sent coast guard vessels and official vessels to intrude into the adjacent waters of Xianbin Jiao in an attempt to send supplies to the Philippine coast guard vessel, which has been anchoring in the lagoon of Xianbin Jiao for a long time, and seek long-term presence there. The Philippines’ move seriously infringes on China’s sovereignty, violates the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), and threatens the peace and stability in the South China Sea. China urges the Philippines to stop the infringement and provocation activities at once, and withdraw the vessel immediately. China will continue to take resolute measures in accordance with law to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests and uphold the sanctity of the DOC.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on August 26, 2024)?
?? 仙宾礁是中国南沙群岛的一部分，不是菲律宾的专属经济区。中方军警舰船在仙宾礁附近海域巡航执法，符合中国国内法和包括《联合国海洋法公约》在内的国际法。?
Xianbin Jiao is part of China’s Nansha Qundao, not the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. To patrol and conduct law enforcement activities by Chinese military and Coast Guard vessels in the waters near Xianbin Jiao is within China’s domestic law and international law, including UNCLOS.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on July 8, 2024)?
?? 我刚才已经讲了，所谓“中国在仙宾礁填海造陆”完全是菲方散布的谣言，是蓄意抹黑中方、误导国际社会的不负责任的言论。?
As I just said, the accusation of “China’s reclamation” at Xianbin Jiao is sheer rumor spread by the Philippines, which is an irresponsible claim designed to vilify China and mislead the international community.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on May 13, 2024)
中方高度重视中欧关系，始终认为，中欧关系的正确定位应当是伙伴而不是对手，主流基调应当是合作而不是竞争，关键价值应当是自主而不是依赖，发展前景应当是共赢而不是对抗。?
China attaches great importance to China-EU relations, and believes that in the context of China-EU relations, the two sides should be characterized rightly as partners, not rivals. Cooperation, rather than competition, should be the defining feature of the relationship, autonomy, rather than reliance, its key value, and win-win, rather than confrontation, its future.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on September 2, 2024)
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