The spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in Manila slammed “some officials” of the Philippines for engaging in “political theatrics” and for trying to escalate the tensions between Manila and Beijing as it asserted its claims in the resource-rich South China Sea.
Manila Bulletin
Philippines
National
China denies it's escalating SCS tension, says PH claim just 'political theatrics'
Philippines
National
China denies it's escalating SCS tension, says PH claim just 'political theatrics'
China denies it's escalating SCS tension, says PH claim just 'political theatrics'
Published Aug 2, 2025 05:05 pm
A man holds the flags of China and the Philippines. (AP Photo)
In a statement on Friday, Aug. 1, the embassy hit back at Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.’s statement that a major part of the Philippines’ national interest is to resist China’s claims. He also alleged that Beijing’s claims go beyond mere sovereign rights.
“Ultimately, the reason some Philippine officials repeatedly make statements that distort and attack China’s position is, more likely, an attempt to escalate tensions between the two countries and mislead the international community,” the spokesperson said.
“We urge relevant Philippine officials to stop spreading false information and engaging in political theatrics, and instead do more to promote bilateral relations and in the interest of peace and stability in the South China Sea,” the embassy added.
The embassy cited a recent remark made by the spokesperson of China’s Ministry of National Defense “that the Philippines is a genuine troublemaker and a creator of danger in the South China Sea.”
Responding to Teodoro’s remarks that China has claims beyond sovereign rights, the embassy reiterated that its position in the South China Sea issue “are clear and consistent” and are based on “government statements, white papers, and documents.”
It insisted that China’s “sovereignty and relevant rights” in the region do not only have “solid historic and legal basis,” but they are also in line with international laws, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The exchange came after the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Thursday, July 31, said that it spotted three Chinese research vessels inside the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
While China’s claims in the resource-rich waters have been invalidated by the 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling, it continues to reject the decision and have conducted aggressive military and maritime activities in the region.