The Chinese authorities have stressed this Thursday that the US Government “has no right” to intercede in its disputes with the Philippines in the South China Sea given the possibility that the Philippine authorities will invoke their defense pact with the United States to protect their territory after a new incident in the area.
“The United States is not a party to the issue in the South China Sea and has no right to get involved in a problem between China and the Philippines,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said during a press conference.
Thus, he has pointed out that Washington’s promise to defend the Philippines “must not harm China’s sovereignty and maritime interests in the area”, nor “allow and encourage illegal claims” by the Philippines.
His words come after the president of the North American country, Joe Biden, affirmed on Wednesday that the commitment of the United States to the defense of the Philippines remains “iron” after accusing China of acting in a “dangerous and illegal” manner in the waters. in dispute after a collision between Chinese and Filipino ships in the area.
“Any attack on Philippine aircraft, ships or Armed Forces will lead us to invoke the Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines,” Biden said in statements during a joint meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
The President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., called on Tuesday to “quickly” end the investigation into the collision between the ships in the vicinity of Ayungin Atoll, also known as Second Thomas.
Both China and the Philippines have accused each other of being responsible for the collision between the Philippine ships – which were on a resupply mission in the atoll, where Filipino troops are deployed aboard a warship that has been stranded for more than two decades– and Chinese coast guard.
