CHINA accuses the Philippines of “provoking trouble” in the South China Sea with the support of the United States last Friday, December 13. Tension escalates as Manila and Beijing traded accusations over the disputed waters.
In the ministry’s official WeChat account, the spokesperson for China’s defense ministry, Wu Qian, said that the Philippines’ move that was backed by US support and solicitation has been stirring trouble in the spots of the South China Sea.
“The Philippines is well aware that the scope of its territory is determined by a series of international treaties and has never included China’s Spratly Islands and Scarborough Shoal,” he added.
Relations between the two countries have soured under Philippine President Ferdinand “Bong Bong” Marcos Jr., most especially after the US, under former President Joe Biden, pledged “ironclad” support for the country. The United States is known to back ASEAN countries over maritime disputes with China. Other Asia-Pacific countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Brunei also wage their own territorial battles against Beijing’s assertive military expansion.
A 2016 arbitration ruling by a United Nation tribunal pronounced that China’s claim on the South China Sea was invalid and its activities were in breach of international law. Yet China refused to participate in the proceedings and rejected the ruling. It continues to maintain its controversial 10-dash-line on official maps which asserts claims on several disputed territories.
Friction between Philippines and China continues to increase, as coastguards from both countries engage in recurring naval clashes this year. The most recent happened last December 04, when the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) accused the Chinese militia boat of firing water cannon at their vessel, which forced them to resort to dangerous manoeuvres.
Fishing rights, plausible military outposts, access to oil reserves under the sea, and other natural resources are among the key stakes in this territorial confrontation.
As of writing, the Philippine government has yet to comment on the accusation.
