China's Ministry of Defense on Thursday called on the Philippines to immediately halt what it described as provocative actions in the South China Sea, following an incident earlier this month.
Defence spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang said more than 10 Philippine vessels entered waters off Huangyan Dao, which China regards as its inherent territory. The China Coast Guard later escorted them away.
Zhang argued that Huangyan Dao lies beyond any recognized limits of the Philippines, as outlined in international treaties. He accused Manila of repeatedly crossing the line and disrupting regional stability.
He warned that these actions infringe on China's sovereignty and could threaten peace if left unchecked, and urged the Philippines to stand down before tensions escalate further.
China has vowed to continue protecting its maritime rights and interests, and confirmed it will respond firmly to any future intrusions.
Regional analysts say this episode underscores ongoing friction in the South China Sea, where strategic islands and sea lanes spark disputes among key players. With so much at stake, navigational freedoms and regional security are under the spotlight. Stay tuned as Manila weighs its next move. 🌊🤔
Reference(s):
China urges Philippines to stop provocative actions in South China Sea
cgtn.com
