China said it is the Philippines, which has become more assertive in countering Beijing’s aggression in the South China Sea, that is causing provocation in the Indo-Pacific region.
Lin Jian, spokesman for China’s Foreign Ministry, claimed that every escalation of maritime row between the two countries “was triggered by the infringement activities and provocations of the Philippines.”
Lin called as provocation the Philippines’ efforts to assert its sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea, which China claims to be its own, including by partnering up with like-minded states to ensure to uphold rule of law in the waters.
His accusation came while China had repeatedly harassed Philippine troops in the waters, including by ramming into their boats, firing water cannon, and pointing military grade lasers.
“It was the Philippines who took infringement activities first and China had to take necessary measures in accordance with law to safeguard our lawful rights and interests,” Lin said in a press conference in Beijing on Tuesday, Nov. 12.
“If the Philippines stops infringement activities and provocations, there will be no trouble at sea,” he added.
On the same day, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gibo Teodoro said China was putting pressure on the Philippines to yield its claim over the West Philippine Sea.
“What we see is an increasing demand by Beijing for us to concede our sovereign rights in the area," Teodoro said after meeting his Australian counterpart Richard Marles in Canberra.