China has called on the United States to cease its support for the Philippines’ activities in the South China Sea, warning Manila that it will not ignore its repeated provocations in the region. Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Senior Colonel Wu Qian emphasized that the US should refrain from interfering in the South China Sea issue and should instead take concrete actions to safeguard regional peace and stability.
During a press conference on December 28, Wu denounced the US for distorting facts and making baseless accusations against China’s legitimate actions to protect its rights. He expressed strong disapproval and firm opposition to these actions. The Chinese Embassy in Manila echoed Wu’s statement, sharing it with the public.
The US has repeatedly affirmed its commitment to the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty. However, both the Philippines and China have overlapping claims in the South China Sea and the West Philippine Sea. In October, the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines filed diplomatic protests against the China Coast Guard’s use of water cannons against Philippine vessels on resupply missions to Filipino fishermen in Bajo de Masinloc and soldiers stationed in BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.
When asked to comment on Wu’s remarks, the US Embassy in Manila stated that they had no specific response as it was a question more suited for Washington, D.C.
Wu asserted that China has indisputable sovereignty over the Spratly Islands, including Ayungin Shoal and its adjacent waters. He accused the US of conniving with and emboldening the Philippines in its infringement and provocations, using the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty as a means to threaten and coerce China. Wu emphasized that the issues related to Ayungin Shoal are solely between China and the Philippines and have no involvement from any third party.
Wu dismissed the claims made by Philippine defense officials that the China Coast Guard used water cannons to attack Philippine vessels near Ayungin Shoal, resulting in collisions and heightened tensions in the region. He also denied the use of long-range sonic devices and military-grade lasers to target Philippine navy personnel, labeling these allegations as groundless. Wu stated that China has no intention or need to employ such devices.
China remains committed to resolving differences through dialogue and consultation, working together to maintain maritime stability, Wu affirmed. He criticized the Philippine side for disregarding repeated warnings from China and persisting in sending vessels to intrude into the adjacent waters of Ayungin Shoal, ultimately provoking a collision with a China Coast Guard vessel. Wu condemned this behavior as extremely dangerous and unprofessional.
Wu further commented on the Philippine side’s claim of conducting humanitarian supplies, highlighting that the supply vessels carried numerous journalists and disseminated disinformation. He argued that this was not a genuine humanitarian operation but rather a deliberate attempt to create an incident, portray themselves as victims, and stage a spectacle under the guise of humanitarian aid.
In conclusion, China urges the US to refrain from supporting the Philippines’ actions in the South China Sea. Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Senior Colonel Wu Qian emphasized the need for concrete actions to safeguard regional peace and stability. China asserts its sovereignty over the Spratly Islands, including Ayungin Shoal, and maintains that issues related to this area are solely between China and the Philippines, without involvement from any third party. China remains committed to resolving differences through dialogue and consultation, while condemning the provocative actions of the Philippine side.
Source: The Manila Times
