China’s military has issued a stern warning to the Philippines, urging it to halt what Beijing calls “provocative acts” in the South China Sea. The statement comes as the Philippines, the United States, and Japan wrapped up joint maritime exercises in contested waters.
A spokesperson for the Chinese military’s Southern Theater Command accused Manila of escalating tensions with the backing of outside powers.
“We sternly warn the Philippine side to immediately stop provoking incidents and escalating tensions in the South China Sea, as well as bringing in external forces for backing such efforts that are destined to be futile,” the spokesperson said. “Any attempt to stir up trouble or disrupt the situation will not succeed.”
Philippine defense and maritime officials have yet to issue a response.
US, Japan, Philippines Hold Joint Exercises
The warning followed a statement from the US Indo-Pacific Command confirming that American, Japanese, and Philippine forces conducted drills from Thursday to Saturday within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone. Washington said the exercises aimed to “strengthen regional cooperation and support a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
“The US, along with our allies and partners, upholds the right to freedom of navigation and overflight and other lawful uses of the sea and international airspace,” the statement said, reiterating support for international maritime law.
China Pushes Nature Reserve at Scarborough Shoal
Tensions rose further last week when China’s State Council announced plans to establish a 3,500-hectare (8,650-acre) nature reserve around Scarborough Shoal, a disputed reef claimed by both Beijing and Manila.
The Philippines lodged a formal protest, calling the move unlawful. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also condemned the decision, describing it as “yet another coercive attempt to advance China’s interests at the expense of its neighbours and regional stability.” He added that Beijing was trying to “push expansive maritime and territorial claims.”
The South China Sea remains one of the world’s most contested waterways, carrying more than $3 trillion in annual trade and serving as a strategic flashpoint between China, Southeast Asian nations, and their allies.
