China has called on the Philippines to immediately halt “infringements and provocations” in the South China Sea, warning of a “resolute response” otherwise. The statement follows a collision between vessels of the two nations in disputed waters, sparking mutual accusations. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that the “control measures” taken by China’s Coast Guard were lawful, while the Philippines’ actions threaten regional stability.
The incident, which occurred on May 22, followed the entry of Philippine vessels into disputed waters, prompting China’s Coast Guard to take “necessary measures,” including expelling the vessel. China claims these actions violate international law. Meanwhile, the Philippines accused China of “aggressive” behavior, a stance supported by the U.S. Ambassador to Manila, MaryKay Carlson, who described China’s actions as “life-threatening” and a “threat to regional stability.”
China urged the U.S. to stop using the Philippines to “stir up trouble” in the South China Sea. According to Mao Ning, U.S. involvement, including joint maritime exercises with the Philippines and Japan conducted this week, heightens regional tensions. These exercises, held for the first time, involved the Philippine and U.S. Coast Guards, as well as naval and air forces. China argues that such actions contradict the 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling, which deemed China’s historical claims in the South China Sea “baseless,” a decision China does not recognize.
China’s stance remains consistent: it rejects the Philippines’ provocations, asserting that its sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea is being violated. In April, Zhao Zhiwei, spokesperson for the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command, stated in response to a similar incident that the Philippines’ “illegal intrusion” into waters near Huangyan Island violates China’s sovereignty and international law. The PLA affirmed it remains “on constant high alert” to safeguard national security.
Joint exercises by the Philippines, the U.S., and Japan in disputed waters drew sharp criticism from China. China accuses the U.S. of sowing “discord” in the region, while the Philippines and other neighboring countries, including Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam, also claim parts of the South China Sea. This confrontation increases the risk of global tensions, particularly as China exerts growing economic and military influence in the region.
