The US was blamed for the South China Sea conflict.
“US South China Sea exercises send a bad message to the Philippines”
As the level of conflict between China and the Philippines, which is involved in a territorial dispute in the South China Sea, is increasing, China has targeted the United States, claiming that the United States is behind the Philippines.
On the 23rd, China’s state-run Global Times quoted an anonymous expert as saying, “One of the reasons the Philippines is stepping up its provocations is because it believes the United States is behind it.”
The media also said, “Recently, the U.S. aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan conducted a takeoff and landing exercise in the South China Sea on the 21st, which sent a very bad message to the Philippines and showed once again that the U.S. is a troublemaker in this region (Asia-Pacific).” pointed out.
On the 22nd, a conflict broke out between the two sides when a Chinese coast guard vessel blocked a Philippine transport ship that was trying to transport construction materials to Second Thomas Reef (Chinese name Renaijiao) in the Spratly Islands (Chinese name: Spratly Islands).
A Chinese coast guard ship and a Philippine transport ship actually collided. Recently, there has been a series of confrontations between the two sides in the South China Sea, but it is unusual for ships to come into physical contact with each other.
The Chinese Coast Guard said, “We stopped the Philippine ship from approaching the reef in accordance with the law, calling it illegal,” while the Philippines claimed, “The Chinese Coast Guard threatened the safety of the crew through provocative, irresponsible and illegal actions.”
Meanwhile, with the United States taking the Philippines’ side, there were signs that the conflict could escalate into a conflict between the United States and China.
The U.S. State Department said in a statement on the 22nd that “China has intentionally interfered with the Philippines’ exercise of its right to freedom of navigation through ‘dangerous and illegal actions,’ and that the United States stands with its ally the Philippines.”
In relation to this, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maoning responded to a related question at a regular briefing on the 23rd, saying, “The Philippines’ recent provocations are related to the encouragement and support of the United States,” and added, “In the past, China and the Philippines have controlled the situation in Renaijiao well through communication.” However, this year, the United States has blatantly supported the Philippines’ actions that violate China’s sovereignty.”
Spokesperson Mao said, “The United States supported the Philippines’ illegal stranding of a military ship near Renaijiao and expressed its support for the Philippines by dispatching military aircraft and warships.” He added, “The United States’ actions encouraged the Philippines’ provocations. “It had a very serious negative impact,” he pointed out.
He emphasized, “The issue of Renaijiao sovereignty is a bilateral issue between China and the Philippines and has nothing to do with the United States.”
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.