China: The US should not continue to 'pretend to be deaf and dumb', but should respond to the legitimate concerns of the international community as soon as possible. - Xinhua

China: The US should not continue to 'pretend to be deaf and dumb', but should respond to the legitimate concerns of the international community as soon as possible. - Xinhua

The Philippines has taken a bold step in the ongoing dispute with China over the South China Sea by landing on three disputed islands, Sandy Cay 1, Sandy Cay 2, and Sandy Cay 3. This action, reported by UNN and Philippine News Agency, is seen as a response to China's recent assertion of control over the Sandy Cay reef [1].

The operation underscores the Philippines' commitment to protecting its sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea. Four combined teams in rubber boats landed on the islands and their surrounding waters, reflecting a strategic effort to maintain maritime space and ensure regional peace and stability [1].

Meanwhile, the United States has confirmed the appointment of former Sen. David Perdue as its ambassador to China. This appointment comes amidst heightened tensions between the U.S. and China, particularly over tariffs. Perdue's confirmation, with bipartisan support, highlights the significance of diplomatic efforts to stabilize the relationship between the two economic powers [2].

The U.S. and China are locked in a tariff showdown that has threatened to redefine their diplomatic relations. The Trump administration's recent tariff increases, along with China's retaliatory measures, have not shown signs of immediate resolution. Both sides remain firm in their positions, with China vowing to "fight to the end" and the U.S. seeking strategic non-partisan approaches [2].

The appointment of Perdue as ambassador to China is timely, as it provides a credible point of contact for stabilizing the relationship amid ongoing tariff disputes. The U.S. and China are also engaged in broader strategic competition, including in areas such as artificial intelligence and military presence in the South China Sea [2].

China, Russia, and Iran recently held joint talks with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to discuss Iran's nuclear program. This meeting, reported by Xinhua, reflects China's support for Iran's dialogue with all parties, including the U.S., in the political and diplomatic settlement process of the Iranian nuclear program [3].

As tensions escalate, the international community is calling for the U.S. to respond to legitimate concerns promptly. China's Xinhua has urged the U.S. not to continue "pretending to be deaf and dumb" but to address these concerns [4].

References:
[1] https://unn.ua/en/news/the-philippines-landed-on-three-islands-disputed-with-china-in-response-to-beijings-actions
[2] https://www.usnews.com/news/business/articles/2025-04-29/senate-confirms-former-sen-david-perdue-as-trumps-us-ambassador-to-china-amid-tariff-showdown
[3] https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/china-russia-and-iran-hold-joint-talks-on-iranian-nuclear-program-with-with-iaea-head-xinhua/
[4] https://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2025-04-30/c_138468227.htm