China says South China Sea not a 'fighting arena' for major powers

An Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65) in the South China Sea, on July 19, 2022. PHOTO: REUTERS

BEIJING (REUTERS) - China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday (July 25) that the South China Sea is not a "safari park" for countries outside the region or a "fighting arena" for major powers to compete in.

The South China Sea issue should be handled by countries in the region themselves, Wang said.

He made the remarks at a virtual seminar commemorating the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.

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