China Warns Philippines Against Provocations in South China Sea

China has reiterated its stance on managing international tensions through conversation and negotiation, but officials expressed that there are boundaries to this approach, particularly in response to recent actions by the Philippines surrounding Xianbin Reef. Senior Colonel Wu Qian of the Chinese Defense Ministry made these comments during a news briefing in Beijing, criticizing the Philippines' objective to establish a long-term presence in the uninhabited reef by unlawfully anchoring a vessel there.

Since April, the Philippine coast guard vessel No 9701 has occupied the lagoon at Xianbin Reef. Recent developments included a failed resupply mission by a Philippine helicopter, which Chinese authorities monitored closely on Wednesday, as the aircraft attempted to deliver items to the illegally anchored Philippine vessel. Chinese Coast Guard spokesperson Gan Yu cautioned that such risky operations could lead to unexpected conflicts at sea and in the air.

Wu defended China's position, asserting that the No 9701 vessel poses a threat by using humanitarian claims as a cover for rights violations. The Armed Forces of the Philippines criticized China's actions, claiming they jeopardized the safety of Philippine crew members and breached international laws. Conversely, Wu emphasized that China holds undeniable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands and their surrounding waters, asserting that the Philippine intrusion violated both Chinese sovereignty and international agreements.

Following repeated incursions by Philippine coast guard ships, Wu articulated China's commitment to protecting its maritime rights while highlighting its capacity to respond appropriately to perceived threats. He urged the Philippines to withdraw its personnel and restore the unoccupied status of Xianbin Reef, warning of decisive actions to safeguard China's territorial integrity.

Additionally, Wu addressed recent statements from U.S. officials regarding the applicability of a Mutual Defense Treaty in the context of South China Sea incidents. He remarked that the United States has contributed to escalating tensions in the region by supporting the Philippines' provocative behaviors, emphasizing that attempts to intimidate China through such agreements would only fuel resentment and resolve among the Chinese populace.