China Responds to US Claims on South China Sea Tensions

Mao Ning, the spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry, expressed strong opposition to the US's recent statements regarding the South China Sea. He emphasized that the United States is not a stakeholder in the maritime disputes involving China and the Philippines, and thus lacks the authority to meddle in these matters. Mao further argued that military collaboration between the US and the Philippines should not infringe upon China’s sovereignty or its maritime rights.

The backdrop to this tension includes a telephone conversation between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo, during which they discussed perceived "dangerous" actions by China in the South China Sea region. Rubio reaffirmed the US's solid commitments to the Philippines under their Mutual Defense Treaty and they explored ways to enhance security cooperation, strengthen economic relations, and promote regional collaboration.

Experts have shared their views on the evolving situation. Li Haidong, a professor, noted that while the US might persist in its critical rhetoric, the real impact of Rubio’s comments on policy decisions remains uncertain. Lü Xiang, a research specialist, suggested that the US under the Trump administration might avoid deep involvement in matters outside its core interests, especially as China is now more capable of asserting its rights in the region.

In response to ongoing military exercises by the Philippine Navy, the Chinese military conducted its own joint sea-air patrols, indicating it is prepared to manage any provocations in the South China Sea. Military experts in China criticized the exercises carried out by the Philippines and the US, viewing them as undermining regional stability.

Furthermore, Humprey Arnaldo Russel, a director at the University of Indonesia's China Research Center, pointed out the importance of ASEAN unity. He advised against reliance on external powers for conflict resolution and instead recommended that the Philippines engage directly with China, highlighting that shared values within ASEAN should guide member states in finding peaceful solutions to their challenges.