China’s Foreign Ministry has issued a strong statement asserting that the United States has no right to intervene in maritime matters between China and the Philippines. Speaking at a regular press conference on Tuesday, spokesperson Mao Ning responded to U.S. criticism regarding China’s actions in the South China Sea.
Tensions escalated after two Philippine Coast Guard vessels made an unauthorized intrusion into waters near Xianbin Jiao in China’s Nansha Qundao on Monday. Mao Ning emphasized that the Philippines was the first to violate China’s rights, prompting China to take lawful measures to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime interests.
“The United States, not being a party to the South China Sea issue, has no right to intervene in maritime matters between China and the Philippines,” Mao Ning stated. She added that invoking the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty as a pretext to infringe on China’s sovereignty and rights in the South China Sea is unacceptable.
Mao called on the United States to refrain from inciting confrontations in the region. “The United States should stop undermining regional stability and exacerbating tensions,” she remarked.
The South China Sea remains a contentious area with overlapping territorial claims by several nations. China’s recent statements underscore its firm stance on sovereignty issues and highlight the complexities of external involvement in regional disputes.
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U.S. has no right to intervene in China-Philippines maritime issues
cgtn.com
