China's Ministry of National Defense issued a stern warning to the Philippines on Friday, urging an immediate halt to what it called 'infringement, provocation, and propaganda' in the South China Sea. The remarks came amid rising tensions following joint military exercises between Manila and unspecified 'extra-regional partners.'
Ministry spokesperson Jiang Bin emphasized that defense cooperation between nations 'should neither target nor harm the interests of a third party,' stressing Beijing's commitment to maintaining regional stability. He identified the Philippines' alleged coordination with external powers as the root cause of current disputes in the strategic waterway.
'We will neither tolerate blackmailing by those who provoke first nor indulge provocations through collusion with outside powers,' Jiang stated, while reaffirming China's openness to peaceful resolution efforts. The spokesperson reiterated China's determination to protect its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights, calling for unified regional efforts toward development and conflict prevention.
The exchange highlights ongoing friction in one of Asia's most contested regions, where over $3 trillion in annual shipborne trade transits. Analysts suggest the statement reflects Beijing's growing concern about external military involvement in what it considers its sovereign waters.
