China has described the Philippines as a “genuine troublemaker and a creator of danger” in the South China Sea, amid rising tensions between the two nations.
Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defence, made the remarks at a news conference on Wednesday in response to comments by the Philippine defence chief that the military would respond to what he described as China’s “aggressive” actions.
According to Zhang, the Philippine government was strengthening its defence cooperation with the United States, Australia, Japan, and India, which he claimed distorted the facts and aimed to shift responsibility.
“The territorial scope of the Philippines was defined long ago through a series of international treaties,” Zhang said. “The islands in the South China Sea do not fall within that territory.”
He accused the Philippines of illegally occupying parts of China’s Nansha Islands and frequently provoking and harassing Chinese vessels in the disputed waters.
The spokesperson further alleged that the Philippines was aligning with external forces to stir unrest in the region.
China, Zhang said, remained committed to defending its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights, and would continue to respond to any provocations “by the law and regulations.”
(NAN)
