Despite repeatedly conducting dangerous maneuvers against Philippine vessels in the waters, China believes “there is no issue with regard to the freedom of navigation in the South China Sea,” questioning the moves by the Philippines and its allies to form multilateral maritime cooperation.
Mao Ning, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, made the pronouncement Wednesday following United States National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan’s announcement that more joint patrols between Filipino and American troops are expected in the West Philippine Sea.
Earlier, Mao already said China is opposing “groupings” of countries as President Marcos, US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida were set to meet at the White House to further explore maritime partnership, among others.
“With the concerted efforts of China and ASEAN countries, the South China Sea has been generally peaceful and stable,” she said.
Mao alleged that the US is cobbling together “small groupings in the South China Sea” to supposedly stoke “confrontation in the name of cooperation.”
It is also “flexing muscles in the name of peace, and sowing chaos in the name of order,” she added, calling it “an act of hegemonism.”
Alluded countries had said earlier that multilateral cooperation is only aimed at ensuring rule of law in the waters in the face of Chinese aggression, which includes dangerous maneuvers, laser pointing and water cannon attack on Philippine vessels.
“Let me make it clear, no external interference will deter China from defending our territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests,” Mao then warned.
Marcos, Biden and Kishida are meeting in Washington on Thursday for discussions that are expected to address concerns in the West Philippine Sea, including the safety of troops patrolling the waters and the livelihood of Filipino fishers in their traditional fishing ground.