China's claim that the United States is the "mastermind" behind the increasing number of countries recognizing the Philippines’ sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea is an "insult" to Manila, a US government official said.
Reacting to Beijing's recent remark during the seventh anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Ruling on the South China Sea, US State Department Counselor Derek Chollet said it was China's activities that have been inconsistent with the ruling and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Photo courtesy of US State Department Counselor Derek Chollet
Chollet particularly cited China's unilateral fishing moratorium in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
"Any statement that somehow the US was putting a partner like the Philippines up to this is preposterous. I think it’s an insult to the Philippines," Chollet, who made a visit to Manila, said in an interview with reporters on Tuesday.
Chollet said Washington will continue to work alongside the Philippines and other allied partners in ensuring the rules-based maritime order and the peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
On the ruling's anniversary, around 20 countries have expressed support for the Philippines.
Chollet added that Washington does not seek conflict or confrontation, but it "will not flinch in the face of bullying or coercion" as it views China's "dangerous operational behavior" as something "infring[ing[ on freedom of navigation as guaranteed under international law."