"NOT just China ruled the seas" (Letters, March 4) refers.
China does not claim all of the South China Sea. It is a signatory of UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea), which establishes the rights of nations to their sovereign territorial water of 12 nautical miles and 200 nautical-mile exclusive economic zone.
China only claims sovereignty over islands and their nearby waters. Claims have to be substantiated. That's why historical consideration is important and shouldn't be superseded by conventional laws. Countries with historical documents, records, maps or material facts should use it to back their claims.
China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that China advocates peaceful resolution through dialogue and negotiations, recognising that 42 islands in the Spratlys are occupied by various countries. These countries have a stake in it now, not only China. Letting outsiders to interfere will only aggravate tensions.
Diplomatic engagement ensures a win-win solution.
Ali Saw
Kuala Lumpur
China does not claim all of the South China Sea. It is a signatory of UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea), which establishes the rights of nations to their sovereign territorial water of 12 nautical miles and 200 nautical-mile exclusive economic zone.
China only claims sovereignty over islands and their nearby waters. Claims have to be substantiated. That's why historical consideration is important and shouldn't be superseded by conventional laws. Countries with historical documents, records, maps or material facts should use it to back their claims.
China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that China advocates peaceful resolution through dialogue and negotiations, recognising that 42 islands in the Spratlys are occupied by various countries. These countries have a stake in it now, not only China. Letting outsiders to interfere will only aggravate tensions.
Diplomatic engagement ensures a win-win solution.
Ali Saw
Kuala Lumpur