BEIJING, Mar. 28 -- "On the South China Sea issue between China and the Philippines, we oppose foreign interference, infringement and provocation, and advocate proper management of differences", said Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, at a regular press conference on Thursday afternoon.
According to the media, the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken accused China of the operations in the South China Sea, and reiterated the US's defense commitment to the Philippines. In addition, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) were ordered to embark on the "Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC)", and the Philippine officials have repeatedly accused China of blocking Philippine supply missions to Ren'ai Jiao.
In response to the above remarks, the spokesperson pointed out that there is no bigger factor than the US's interference in causing turbulence in the South China Sea. He elaborated that for some time, in disregard of the facts, the US provoked confrontation, backed up the Philippines, threatened and exerted pressure on China citing the so-called bilateral treaty, and sent military vessels to the South China Sea to stir up troubles. These actions seriously undermined regional peace and stability.
"China's attitude towards this is clear: the US is in no position to interfere, and the military cooperation between the US and the Philippines must not harm China's sovereignty and maritime rights and interests", stressed the spokesperson.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson also pointed out that the Philippines' harassment and provocations are the immediate cause of recent escalation of the South China Sea issue. He continued that the Philippine side, counting on the support of external forces, violated international law and the spirit of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), frequently infringed upon China's sovereignty, made provocations and created troubles, and spread misinformation to mislead the international community.
The spokesperson sternly warned the Philippines that it is straying further down a dangerous path, the Chinese side will not allow the Philippines to act willfully, and that's why China has responded with legitimate, resolute and restrained actions. The Philippine side should realize that provocations will only do themselves more harm than good, and soliciting foreign support will lead no where.
"China has sufficient strategic resolve in addressing the South China Sea issue. We stay committed to properly managing maritime differences with relevant parties through dialogue and consultation, while firmly safeguarding China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. We have every reason to believe that with concerted efforts of regional countries, the South China Sea issue will surely be settled. This is the inevitable trend of our times," stressed the spokesperson.
