BEIJING— The Chinese Ministry of National Defense announced on Friday that it will take all necessary countermeasures in response to what it described as “dangerous and escalatory acts” by the Philippines in the South China Sea.
Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the ministry, stated that the Philippines is “undoubtedly the one undermining peace and creating instability” in the region. His comments came amid rising tensions over disputed territories in the South China Sea.
The statement from China follows reports that the Philippines denied allegations of its soldiers pointing guns at China Coast Guard vessels, asserting that personnel aboard the BRP Sierra Madre only held their weapons defensively. Additionally, the Philippines claimed there had been small-scale reclamation activities at Xianbin Jiao, and that the People’s Liberation Army recently conducted exercises near the atoll involving a hovercraft and an aircraft.
“Nansha Qundao, including Ren’ai Jiao and Xianbin Jiao, is an inherent territory of China,” Zhang emphasized. “It is legitimate and reasonable for the Chinese side to carry out law enforcement activities in waters under our jurisdiction. The Chinese side has made clear our principled position on this multiple times.”
Zhang accused the Philippines of breaking promises, engaging in provocations, and spreading disinformation to cover up its actions. “Such behavior is like a thief crying ‘stop thief’,” he said. “The Chinese side remains highly vigilant and will continue to take all necessary countermeasures against the dangerous and escalatory acts by the Philippine side.”
The South China Sea remains a focal point of international attention due to its strategic importance and rich resources. Analysts express concern that escalating tensions could impact global trade routes and regional stability.
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'Dangerous, escalatory' acts of Philippines in South China Sea slammed
cgtn.com
