BEIJING – China’s foreign ministry on May 23 issued a stern warning to the Philippines, demanding an immediate halt to what it called “infringement and provocation” in the South China Sea, following a recent maritime confrontation that reignited tensions in the disputed waters. Beijing said failure to comply would result in a “resolute response.”
The statement came a day after both nations traded accusations over a collision involving their vessels in contested waters. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning defended the actions of the China Coast Guard, calling them necessary and legitimate measures in response to the presence of Philippine ships. “It was legitimate for China to take necessary measures,” Mao said during a daily press briefing.
On May 22, China’s coast guard confirmed it had taken “control measures” against Philippine vessels and acknowledged that a collision had occurred during the encounter.
The incident drew criticism from the United States. US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson labeled China’s actions “aggressive,” saying in a post on X that they “recklessly endangered lives and threaten regional stability.” In response, Mao warned the United States against using the Philippines to “stir up trouble” in the South China Sea and urged Washington not to undermine regional peace.
The latest clash comes just days after Philippine and US coast guard vessels participated in joint maritime drills in the South China Sea, marking the first time the two countries had held such coordinated operations in these disputed waters. China, which claims nearly the entire South China Sea, has accused the US of fueling discord in the region.
Beijing continues to reject a 2016 ruling by an international tribunal that invalidated its expansive territorial claims based on historic maps, stating the decision has no legal standing. The Philippines, along with Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam, has overlapping claims in the region.