China blames Philippines for escalation in South China Sea tensions

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
28 Mar 2024 14:10
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Amid escalating tensions in the South China Sea, China accuses the Philippines of provocation, with Western support, following an incident in the South China Sea.

Screenshot from video provided by the Philippines Armed Forces, showing a Chinese Coast Guards vessel using water cannons and maneuver near a Philippine resupply vessel in the South China Sea on March 23, 2024. (AP)

"The provocations by the Philippine side are the direct cause of the recent heating up of the South China Sea issue," Beijing's Defense Ministry said in a statement in the backdrop of the South China Sea incident.

The Defense Ministry statement, titled "China Will Not Allow the Philippines to Act Wilfully," noted that "Relying on the backing of external forces... the Philippine side has frequently infringed on rights and provoked and created trouble at sea, as well as spreading false information to mislead the international community's perception of the issue, which is, so to speak, going further and further down a dangerous road."

The statement underscored that "China will not allow the Philippines to do whatever it wants, and has responded in a reasonable and forceful manner."

With the incident's unfolding tensions, it is important to remember that China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin, in February, warned the Philippines against crossing China's "red lines" when it comes to the Taiwan matter, stressing that it should not "play with fire".

At the time, Wenbin's remarks followed Filipino Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro's call to fortify the Philippines' security and military presence in the Mavulis islands, located between the Province of Batanes and Taiwan.

"The Taiwan issue is the main one of China's core interests and a ’red line’ that cannot be crossed, the relevant [persons] in the Philippines should have a clear understanding of this, act with caution, and not play with fire on the Taiwan issue to avoid being used and harmed," Wenbin said in a statement.

Beijing and Manila have been entangled in tensions resulting from the South China Sea dispute, but the issue has grown since the Philippines conducted military exercises in the South China Sea in coordination with the United States.

Philippines accuses China of blocking Filipino coast guard vessel

The Philippines claimed that the China Coast Guard obstructed a Filipino supply vessel and caused damage using water cannons on the morning of Saturday, March 23, near a remote and disputed reef in the South China Sea.

The Philippine military reported that the nearly hour-long incident took place near Second Thomas Shoal, where Chinese ships have previously allegedly engaged in water cannon attacks and collisions with Filipino vessels during similar stand-offs in recent months.

In a statement, the military said, "The UM4 supply boat sustained heavy damages at around 08:52 (am) due to the continued blasting of water cannons from the CCG vessels," without detailing the extent of the harm or mentioning any potential casualties.

A Philippine Coast Guard escort vessel subsequently arrived at the damaged boat "to provide assistance," according to the military.

On his account, China Coast Guard spokesperson Gan Yu stated in a release that the Philippine convoy "entered the area without authorization despite multiple warnings and route controls from the Chinese side." They asserted that the Chinese conducted "control, obstruction, and eviction in accordance with law."

"We sternly warn the Philippine side: those who play with fire will bring shame on themselves. The Chinese Coast Guard is ready at all times to resolutely safeguard our country's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests," Gan added.