The Philippines should stop making waves in the South China Sea by relying on U.S. support, as it will only "backfire", a spokesman for China's Ministry of National Defense warned on Wednesday.
Zhang Xiaogang, the spokesman, made the warning in response to a media query about U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's recent visit to the Philippines. During the visit, Hegseth reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty to counter the "China threat", and the two countries also conducted joint sea patrols in the South China Sea amid rising tensions. Additionally, the United States has recently approved the sale of F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines.
Zhang noted that such provocative actions undermine China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights, while also threatening regional peace and stability.
"On the pretext of honoring bilateral treaties, the United States is meddling in the South China Sea issue, undermining China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and attempting to threat and coerce China. This approach will simply not work. It needs to be pointed out that the Philippine side has repeatedly made infringements and provocation against China. Outside countries led by the United States have made continued attempts to destabilize the South China Sea through escalating tensions and providing weapons. It fully exposed their true intention of making troubles in the region. To the Philippine side, relying on foreign support to make waves in the South China Sea will backfire and eventually pawns will easily be abandoned. We urge the Philippine side to give up unrealistic illusions and come back to the right track of dialogue and negotiation at an early date," said Zhang.
China warns Philippines against relying on US to make waves in South China Sea
China warns Philippines against relying on US to make waves in South China Sea
