China Defends South China Sea Claims, Philippines Protests, US Backs Manila

China Responds to Philippine Protest Over South China Sea Activities

The Philippines filed a diplomatic protest against China's "continued illegal presence and activities" within Manila's "exclusive economic zone" in the South China Sea. This came after the Philippines reported that a large Chinese Coast Guard vessel, the CCG 5901, returned to the area.

In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun asserted China's sovereignty and rights in the South China Sea, stating that they are "solidly grounded in history and the law, and are consistent with international law and practices." Guo emphasized that CCG's patrols and law enforcement activities in relevant waters are "lawful, justified and beyond reproach." He urged the Philippines to stop making "malicious accusations."

Li Kaisheng, vice president of the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies, criticized the Philippines' stance as "distorted" and "untenable from a legal standpoint." Yang Xiao, deputy director of Institute of Maritime Strategy Studies at China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, viewed the Philippines' actions as a "smearing campaign" driven by fear of CCG patrols.

According to Reuters, US President Joe Biden commended Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for his diplomatic response to China's activities in the South China Sea during a call among Japan, the Philippines, and the US. Yang interpreted this as continued support from the Biden administration to Marcos Jr.

Li Kaisheng believes the Philippines aims to maintain tension in the South China Sea to secure continued support from the US government. However, he cautioned that the US government's policies, particularly foreign policy, are heavily influenced by the president's personal stance. With the Biden administration nearing its end, Li believes Marcos Jr. may not achieve his desired outcome.