A Chinese military vessel fires water cannon at Philippine boat M/L Kalayaan during a resupply mission in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea on Dec. 10, 2023. The boat had to be towed back to port without completing its mission due to significant damage from the attack. PHOTO FROM PCG
MANILA, Philippines — Chinese Defense Ministry Spokesperson Wu Qian told the United States to stop meddling with the West Philippine Sea issue, saying that the dispute is between China and the Philippines and it has nothing to do with any “third party.”
“We urge the United States to immediately stop meddling in the South China Sea issue, stop emboldening and supporting the Philippines’ infringement and provocations, and safeguard regional peace and stability with concrete actions”, said Wu in a press conference on Thursday evening (Philippine Time).
Wu proceeded to claim that the United States is “misrepresenting facts and making groundless accusations” of China’s actions, adding that they are strongly deploring and opposing this move.
READ: US tells China: Stop ‘dangerous and destabilizing conduct’ in WPS
“The United States, out of selfish calculations, has been conniving at and emboldening the Philippines’ infringement and provocations and attempting to threaten and coerce China with the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty. It will not work on China,” Wu emphasized.
READ: China rammed, water cannoned PH resupply vessels – coast guard
The United States and Japan earlier called on China to abide by the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling, urging them to desist, in all forms, from its provocative behavior in the West Philippine Sea.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken earlier engaged in a phone call and spoke about issues of mutual concern, including the rising tension in the West Philippine Sea.