China has warned the US over the South China Sea issue. In a statement on Wednesday (March 20), the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines warned the United States of course ‘cause trouble’ Or refrain from taking sides on the South China Sea issue. US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken announced on Tuesday the extension of a security agreement with the country on the security issue of the Philippine Coast Guard. The Chinese authorities issued such a warning after that. British news agency Reuters reported this news.
Tensions between the Philippines and China have risen in recent months over disputed claims in the South China Sea. In the meantime, this US representative has visited the Philippines.
In a statement, the Chinese embassy in the Philippines said Chinese activities in the South China Sea were “legitimate and lawful”. The statement said Blinken had “ignored the truth and baselessly accused China”.
The statement added that Blinken once again “threatened China by committing to the so-called US-Philippines joint military agreement.” China strongly opposes the deal.
The Philippines and the United States agreed to a 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty. Under that agreement, both sides have to support each other if any country is attacked. Last year, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. pressed the United States to clarify the scope of that security commitment.
In a joint press conference with Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo on Tuesday, Blinken said the United States remains steadfast in its mutual defense agreement and strong defense commitment with the Philippines. The agreement extends to armed attacks on the Armed Forces of the Philippines, government ships and aircraft, and the country’s coast guard.
China called Blinken’s announcement a threat to the peace and stability of the South China Sea. The country said it is not the US’s business to bother with issues in the region and that it has no right to interfere in the maritime issues of the Philippines and China.
