China to US: Stop using Phl to create trouble in SCS

Days after the China Coast Guard (CCG) harassed two Philippine civilian vessels in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), China has now turned its focus on the United States, accusing it of stirring up trouble in the region.

- MICHAEL PUNONGBAYAN

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, at a press briefing yesterday, warned of taking necessary steps to protect China's supposed territory.

"The US should refrain from using the Philippines to create trouble in the South China Sea and stop undermining peace and tranquility in the South China Sea," she said.

The US embassy in Manila has so far made no statement about Mao's allegations.

US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson previously said "the China Coast Guard's aggressive actions against a lawful Philippine civilian mission near Sandy Cay recklessly endangered lives and threaten regional stability," referring to the water cannon attack on Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources civilian research vessels in the WPS on May 21.

Mao said the CCG has released a statement and on-site video footage on the incident and claims that "the facts speak for themselves." "The Philippines, despite China's dissuasion, has repeatedly sent people to illegally step on Tiexian Jiao, which is part of China's Nansha Qundao," he said, referring to features around Pagasa Island in the WPS.

"That severely infringes on China's sovereignty and violates the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea," she added.