In a move that has heightened tensions in the South China Sea, China’s military accused the Philippines of enlisting “foreign forces” to patrol the contested waters, specifically referring to joint patrols conducted this week by Philippine and U.S. forces. China’s military issued a statement on Thursday asserting its commitment to maintaining high vigilance, defending sovereignty and maritime rights, and safeguarding peace and stability in the region.
The southern theatre command of the Chinese military accused the Philippines of enlisting forces from outside the region to patrol the South China Sea, characterizing it as an act that “stirred up trouble and engaged in hype, undermining regional peace and stability.” The statement follows joint patrols conducted by the Philippine and U.S. military near Taiwan, an island democratically governed but claimed by China, raising concerns about potential escalations.
Philippine officials confirmed the joint patrols with the U.S., which took place on Tuesday. The waters near Taiwan have been a point of contention, with China asserting its claim over the region. The joint patrols have further strained relations between China and the Philippines, particularly under the leadership of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who has been pivoting towards closer ties with the U.S. in the face of maritime disputes with China.
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, stated on Wednesday that China had issued warnings to both the U.S. and the Philippines regarding their joint patrols. The message conveyed by China emphasized that such patrols must not undermine China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea.
During the joint patrols, a Chinese navy ship reportedly shadowed three U.S. and Philippine warships. The incident occurred near a natural gas field platform approximately 27 nautical miles off Palawan province. The Philippine armed forces chief, Romeo Brawner, assured that there were no challenges or dangerous maneuvers during the encounter. Brawner stated that the Philippines achieved its goal of closely operating with its ally, the United States, and there were no untoward incidents.
As the situation unfolds, the Philippine foreign ministry and the national security adviser’s office have not yet responded to requests for comments on the recent developments. The incident raises concerns about the ongoing geopolitical dynamics in the South China Sea, a region where territorial disputes have long been a source of tension among neighboring nations.
