The Huangyan Island incident initiated by the Philippines has lasted for almost a month. China has been striving for a diplomatic solution. However, it is obvious that the Philippine side is stepping up efforts to escalate tensions.

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Concerning this ongoing incident, China.org.cn recently interviewed Major General Luo Yuan, deputy secretary-general of the China Association for Military Science.

Recent years have seen contradictions and frictions between China and its neighboring countries now and then. What do you think is the root cause for this?

From an internal perspective, China now is undergoing the stage of "peaceful rise syndrome". In the background of economic globalization and world multi-polarization, some countries feel uneasy about the changing international environment, especially with the rapid rise of China. Some countries even doubt China's growth may outpace America's in 20 to 30 years. Therefore, they will do whatever they can do to interrupt China's strategic rise.

From an external perspective, on one hand, competition for resources between countries is becoming more intense after the financial crisis; on the other hand, most countries in the world judge from their previous experiences that the rise of a great power always leads to that power's expansion and wars to seek hegemony; therefore, they have certain misgivings about China.

The Huangyan Island standoff with the Philippines has lasted for a while, why has the Philippines made such a tough stand?

I think the Philippines is conducting a "strategic test" in mainly three aspects:

First, the Philippine claim that the Huangyan Island belongs to them is based on their own understanding of the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Actually, the Philippines is testing whether the international community will accept their actions, and whether China will acquiesce. If they succeed in doing so, they will expand their claim to Reed Tablemount and Zhongye Island (Thitu Island). What's worse, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei and other neighboring countries will follow the example of the Philippines. In that case, we will lose more of our own islands and reefs.

Second, the Philippines wants to find out whether China will completely rule out military action in any event during this period of "strategic opportunity", or even exchange the island in a peace settlement.

Third, the Philippines wants to test the strength of its US alliance, and see whether the US would support its aggressive action to take the islands.

Will the US stand by the Philippines' side?

In the effect of escalation, it's impossible that the US wouldn't get involved at all. In a word, the US will weigh the pros and cons before taking any practical action, for the US knows that a conflict with China, the world's second largest economy, in favor of its small ally, is not worthwhile.

How should China respond to the Philippines?

While we are making every effort to reach a diplomatic solution, at the same time we should be fully prepared to respond to anything the Philippine side does to escalate the situation if diplomatic efforts should fail.

Many people think that China should respond to the provocations by the Philippines and other neighboring countries with action instead of only advocating a diplomatic solution. What is your opinion?

Many historical and geographical factors have resulted in such a complex situation in the South China Sea. It takes time and requires effort in many different arenas, including political, economic, diplomatic and military, to resolve the problems and reinstate China's sovereignty over the islands and reefs which have been occupied by others.

China will always seek a diplomatic solution as long as there is a chance of reconciliation. But, it should not mean that we will abandon the notion of war at all costs. China has its bottom line for peace, and will never exchange territory or compromise its principle for peace. Neighboring countries need to consider the consequences when bullying China.

The Chinese armed forces need to prove to all the Chinese people that we have unswerving determination in safeguarding China's national sovereignty.

In handling the South China Sea disputes, the Chinese government, foreign ministry and marine enforcement authorities are adopting tough attitudes and methods in line with the development of the situation. I am confident in our national defense capabilities. If the circumstances warrant action, we will do what we have to do.

(This article was first published in Chinese and translated by Guo Jiali.)

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.