China blows hot and cold

Even as the Chinese army has vowed to protect their interests in the disputed Scarborough Shoal, Chinese defense minister Liang Guanglie declared, “We believe the confrontation can be solved through diplomacy.” Liang however said China will undertake military action “in accordance with China’s overall diplomacy (needs).” Defense Ministry spokesperson Geng Yansheng was also quoted in the state-run China Daily as saying, “China’s military forces will collaborate closely with related governing bodies, including fishery administration and maritime law enforcement, to jointly ensure the country’s maritime rights and interests.” When asked if warships will be deployed to the area, Geng replied that the Chinese armed forces “have persisted in implementing their mission under the unified deployment of the nation.”

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