In a forceful statement on Friday, China’s Foreign Ministry urged the United States not to use the Philippines to stir trouble in the South China Sea.
Spokesperson Mao Ning responded to a post by the U.S. ambassador to the Philippines on X about recent law enforcement operations by Chinese coast guard vessels against Philippine fishing boats near Tiexian Jiao.
Mao accused the Philippine side of repeatedly dispatching personnel to land illegally on Tiexian Jiao in China’s Nansha Qundao island group, saying these actions seriously infringe on China’s sovereignty and violate the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. She emphasized that China’s countermeasures are legitimate and legal.
'The U.S. side should stop using the Philippines to stir trouble in the South China Sea and cease undermining peace and tranquility there,' Mao said. 'The Philippine side should immediately cease its provocations and violations on Tiexian Jiao in China’s Nansha Qundao, or China will respond resolutely.'
As tensions persist over contested waters, regional observers will be watching closely to see if diplomatic channels can prevent further escalation.
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China warns U.S. against using the Philippines to stir trouble
cgtn.com
