China Vows to “Crush” Foreign Incursions in South China Sea, Senior Official Says

China has issued a stern warning against any foreign encroachments on its territory, including in the South China Sea. Lieutenant General He Lei of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) made the statement Thursday on the sidelines of the Xiangshan Forum in Beijing.

“We hope that the South China Sea will remain a sea of peace,” He Lei told reporters, including AFP. However, he warned that any actions by the United States or its allies that challenge China’s sovereignty would be met with strong resistance. “If the United States moves its pawns behind the scenes, if it pushes countries to the front line, or if the United States itself ends up on the front line, then we in the Chinese People’s Liberation Army… will never have any patience.”

He Lei emphasized that the PLA would “resolutely crush any foreign hostile encroachment on China’s territorial, sovereign, and maritime rights and interests with firm determination, staunch will, strong capability, and effective means.”

The remarks come amid heightened tensions between Washington and Beijing over China’s assertive stance in disputed maritime regions. Recently, Chinese vessels have clashed with Philippine ships in the South China Sea, an area Beijing claims almost entirely, despite an international court ruling that rejects China’s claims.

Lieutenant General He Lei also noted that the resolution of these tensions “depends on the United States.” He expressed hope that U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Michael Chase, who is attending the Xiangshan Forum, would be receptive to China’s perspectives.

“The message we are sending to the United States is that we want the two countries and armies to be partners, to be friends. We want to pursue China-U.S. relations featuring win-win cooperation,” He Lei stated. He also called on the U.S. to contribute more to regional and global peace and stability.

The Xiangshan Forum, China’s response to Singapore’s Shangri-La Dialogue, has drawn more than 500 representatives from over 90 countries and international organizations. Official speeches and roundtable discussions with top military representatives from countries including Russia, Pakistan, Singapore, Iran, and Germany are scheduled for Friday’s opening ceremony.