China reportedly told the United States to supposedly stop emboldening the Philippines’ provocations in the West Philippine Sea as Manila continues to fight for its rights, which is based on international law, over the waters.
Mao Ning, spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry, confirmed that Chinese Executive Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu held a phone call with US State Department Deputy Secretary Kurt Campbell to discuss, among other things, the latest incident in the Ayungin Shoal.
The China Coast Guard (CCG) rammed on a Philippine boat and confiscated Filipino troops’ firearms, leading to severe injuries in the Philippine side.
According to Mao, Ma told Campbell that “the US side should stop emboldening and supporting the provocations of the Philippine side and take concrete actions to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea.”
The US State Department first confirmed that a phone call was held between Ma and Campbell.
Matthew Miller, spokesman for the US side, said Campbell directly told Ma that Washington is seriously concerned about the Beijing’s “destabilizing” action and reiterated the US’ defense commitment to the Philippines in case of an armed attack.
Campbell also “affirmed the United States’ support for freedom of navigation and overflight and the peaceful resolution of disputes, consistent with international law,” Miller said.