The South China Sea has become a focal point of escalating tensions between the Philippines and the Chinese mainland. The Chinese Ministry of National Defense announced on Friday that it would implement all necessary countermeasures in response to what it described as \"dangerous and escalatory\" acts by the Philippines.
Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson for the ministry, labeled the Philippine side as a \"peace destroyer and instability maker\" in the region. This statement follows reports denying that Philippine soldiers pointed guns at Chinese Coast Guard vessels. The Philippine personnel aboard the BRP Sierra Madre claimed they held weapons solely for defense purposes.
Additionally, the Philippines acknowledged minor reclamation activities at Xianbin Jiao, while the Chinese People's Liberation Army recently deployed a hovercraft and aircraft to conduct exercises around the atoll. Zhang emphasized that Nansha Qundao, including Ren'ai Jiao and Xianbin Jiao, is inherently Chinese territory, legitimizing China’s law enforcement activities in these waters.
He further criticized the Philippines for breaking promises and engaging in provocations that heighten regional tensions. Zhang accused the Philippine side of spreading disinformation about Xianbin Jiao to mask its infringements and provocations, likening such behavior to a "thief crying 'stop thief'," thereby undermining peace and stability.
The Chinese mainland remains vigilant and reiterated its commitment to taking necessary measures against any actions deemed dangerous and escalatory by the Philippine side.
Reference(s):
'Dangerous, escalatory' acts of Philippines in South China Sea slammed
cgtn.com
