China has firmly rejected allegations made by the United States regarding recent incidents in the South China Sea, asserting that its actions were lawful and aimed at safeguarding territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.
Bloomberg asked the Chinese Foreign Ministry to comment after the U.S. State Department accused China of using water cannons and cutting anchor lines in the South China Sea, actions which Washington claimed endangered Filipino fishers. The U.S. further stated that it would stand with the Philippines to confront what it described as China’s provocative actions and increasingly dangerous tactics against its neighbors.
Responding to the question, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said that Xianbin Jiao is an integral part of China’s Nansha Qundao. He reiterated that China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Qundao, including Xianbin Jiao and its adjacent waters.
According to Guo Jiakun, on December 12 the Philippines carried out organized and orchestrated actions by dispatching a large number of vessels to the waters near Xianbin Jiao. He stated that these vessels intruded into the lagoon of Xianbin Jiao, creating provocations and deliberately escalating tensions in the area.
Guo said that the so-called Philippine fishing vessels ignored repeated dissuasion and warnings from the Chinese side and deliberately anchored inside the lagoon. He added that these vessels repeatedly carried out dangerous maneuvers, including sudden changes in course, which increased the risk of maritime incidents.
The spokesperson further alleged that Philippine personnel threatened China Coast Guard officers with knives while the officers were carrying out rights-defending and law enforcement activities. He said these actions seriously infringed upon China’s sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.
Guo Jiakun emphasized that the Philippines’ actions violate international law and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), and undermine peace and stability in the region. He stated that China’s response was legitimate, lawful, professional, restrained, and beyond reproach, and was necessary to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.
Calling on Manila to change course, Guo urged the Philippines to immediately stop its infringements, provocations, and what he described as vilification of China. He also called on the Philippines to cease what he termed self-directed stunts at sea and to refrain from testing China’s firm resolve to protect its sovereignty and rights.
Addressing the U.S. statement, Guo Jiakun said that the United States is not a party to the South China Sea issue and has no right to interfere in maritime disputes between the countries directly concerned. He accused Washington of making fact-distorting and provocative remarks and urged the U.S. to stop abetting and supporting the Philippines’ actions that, according to China, are aimed at creating trouble in the South China Sea.
The exchange highlights the continuing tensions in the South China Sea, where overlapping territorial claims and involvement by external powers continue to strain regional stability.
Disclaimer
This article is based on official statements made by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in response to media queries. The views expressed reflect the position of the Chinese government and are presented for informational and news-reporting purposes only. The publication does not independently verify claims made by any party involved in the South China Sea dispute.
