FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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Contact: Holly Chang, Executive Director
media@committee100.org or 212-371-6565
Committee of 100 Calls for Calm, Cooperation, and Negotiations
Surrounding Events in the South China Sea
(New York, NY, July 20, 2016) — The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled last week on the dispute between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea. China has rejected the tribunal’s assertion of jurisdiction. The United States has sent its highest-ranking naval admiral to China for talks. China and the United States have conducted naval exercises in the region. They have elevated activities.
The current situation has origins dating back centuries; it did not arise overnight. These territories have been subject to competing claims since the 1970s. The matter, however, has become increasingly contested. It is about much more than a legal case. It raises complex and profound issues of sovereignty, security, and rights.
The recent decision has surprised some observers in substance and scope. It was worded strongly. Beijing and Taipei have disagreed with the outcome and tone.
Since the issuance of the opinion, there has been apprehension about potential military actions. There are many risks presented. Yet a positive outcome can be achieved. The various nations can work together directly, respectfully, and thoughtfully.
The Committee of 100 (C-100), a group of prominent Chinese Americans, urges all parties to recognize the importance of cooperation. A non-profit organization founded to promote positive relations between the United States and China, C-100 urges sustained discussion of these sensitive issues.
The most important bilateral relationship in the world today is between the United States and China. We should not allow momentary tensions to endanger the friendship and the economic potential between them, nor with other Asian countries. The United States and China have had constructive dialogue enabling cultural exchange and increased trade that has benefited the peoples of both nations as well as the world, for several generations since normalization of diplomatic relations. There is much more to the interactions of these societies than this single issue that has been in the news and many have a stake in ongoing progress.
Among the most difficult but most necessary aspect of international relations is perceiving matters from another’s perspective. Committee of 100 was established to play a bridge-building role. Chinese hold deep feelings about the South China Sea. Americans are anxious about global change. An appreciation of these dynamics, and the potential for misunderstanding, is a realistic, practical approach.
It is paramount to maintain peace, through reasoned communications, while the process continues to resolve the controversies that have arisen. Leadership has remained calm, avoiding provocation. That spirit of peace will enable progress. There is every expectation that negotiations will occur.
The Committee of 100 calls upon all nations involved to engage in direct talks with one another. Our shared future depends on it.
The Committee of 100 is an international non-partisan leadership organization of prominent Chinese Americans in business, government, academia, entertainment, and the arts. For over 25 years, the Committee has been committed to a dual mission of promoting the full participation and inclusion of Chinese Americans in all fields of American life, and encouraging constructive relations between the peoples of the United States and Greater China. www.committee100.org.
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Contact: Holly Chang, Executive Director
media@committee100.org or 212-371-6565
百人会就南海事件呼吁冷静、合作和磋商
(纽约，2016年7月21日) 海牙常设仲裁法庭于上周就中国和菲律宾在南海的争端做出裁决。中国不接受该仲裁庭对管辖权的主张。美国则派出最高阶海军将领前往中国会谈。中美两国还在该地区开展军事演习。双方均将其行动升级。
南海当前局势的根源可追溯至数世纪之前，事件并非发生于旦夕之间。自上世纪七十年代以来，该区域出现相冲突的声索主张。而事态已演变至更趋激烈的争夺。南海问题远非一个法律案件。它引发了有关主权、安全和权益的各种复杂而深远的问题。
一些观察人士对近日裁决的内容和所涉范围均感讶异。该裁决言辞强烈。中国大陆和台湾对此裁决的结果和语调均持异议。
该裁决公布后，一直存有对于可能的军事行动的担忧。众多风险存在，但良性的结果仍有可能达致。各国可以直接、相互尊重、周全地共同解决此问题。
百人会敦促各方认同合作的重要性。百人会是由美国华人精英组成的非盈利组织，其成立旨在促进中美两国的友好关系。百人会敦促就这些敏感议题进行持续对话。
中美关系是当今世界最重要的双边关系。我们不应任由这些暂时性的冲突危害中美两国之间的友谊和经贸前景，也不应因此危害与其他亚洲国家的关系。中美关系正常化以来的数个世代中，中美两国通过建设性的对话，实现了文化交流，增进了贸易往来，两国及世界人民均因此获益。各个国家之间的互动频密，远远超越呈现于新闻报道中的这一单一事件，各方均与这一事件的进程利益攸关。
在国际关系中，最艰难却也最重要的方面是从对方的角度理解问题。百人会的成立即为扮演搭建沟通桥梁的角色。中国对于南海问题有着深远的情感，而美国则对于国际变化深切关注。体认此间动态，并意识到误解的可能性，方为现实而可行的途径。
在继续推进解决已出现的争议的过程中，至关重要的是以理性沟通来维护和平。各国领袖仍保持冷静，避免挑衅。这一和平的精神将推动事件的进展。当前，对磋商的开展有着充分的期待。
百人会呼吁当事各方相互之间进行直接的相互对话。我们共同的未来取决于此。
百人会是一个由美国华人精英组成的国际性、非党派团体，成员来自商界、政界、学术、和文艺界。成立二十五年来，百人会一直致力于其两大使命，推动美国华人在美国社会各领域的全面参与，促进美国与大中华地区人民之间的建设性关系。更多信息: www.committee100.org.
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