China calls on the United States to stop sowing seeds of discord in East Asia

Beijing, (ST) – China called on the United States to stop using the South China Sea issue to “sow confusion, discord and strife” among East Asian countries.

Xinhua quoted the Chinese Foreign Ministry as saying, in response to a statement by the US State Department criticizing China for its response to the intrusion of Philippine ships into its maritime space: Washington is required to respect China’s sovereignty, maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea, as well as respect for the efforts of countries in the region to support peace and stability in this region.

TheChinese Foreign Ministry said that the US State Department’s statement, in disregard for the facts, attacked China’s legitimate and legal measures at sea, which aim to protect its rights and enforce the law, and the US statement also supported the Philippines’ illegal and provocative behavior.

The Ministry pointed out that the United States has been inciting for a long time and supporting the Philippines’ attempts to strengthen its military presence in the South China Sea, and has repeatedly sought to threaten China by waving the US-Philippines mutual defense treaty, but these US moves will not succeed.

The Foreign Ministry considered that such Philippine abuses violate China’s sovereignty and the Declaration of Conduct of the Parties in the South China Sea.

The Chinese coast guard vessels had stopped two Philippine vessels in accordance with the law, and warned them through appropriate law enforcement measures against violating the rules in the South China Sea.

Raghda Sawas