'WE ARE FULLY PREPARED,' SAYS CHINA ON GROWING SUPPORT FOR PH IN SEA ROW

MANILA, Philippines: China is "fully prepared for any emergency and will resolutely safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests," its Defense Ministry said, amid the increasing pressure from countries that have expressed support for the Philippines in its dispute with Beijing in the South China Sea.

"On the South China Sea issue between China and the Philippines, we have stated our serious position multiple times. We oppose foreign interference, infringement, and provocation, and advocate proper management of differences. Meanwhile, we are fully prepared for any emergency, and will resolutely safeguard China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests," said Defense Minister Wu Quian in a statement on Thursday.

Wu's response follows US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Manila to reaffirm US commitment to the Philippines and recent statements of support from Australia, India and Japan, with Tokyo being part of a trilateral cooperation with Washington DC and Manila to be formalized in a meeting with US President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the White House in April.

It was also issued amid the encounter between Chinese Coast Guard vessels and a Philippine resupply boat this March. The water cannon incident near Ayungin Shoal happened as the Philippines was ferrying supplies to troops on the grounded BRP Sierra Madre. The Philippine ship sustained "heavy damage" and some of its crew were injured as a result.

China's latest "act of aggression" drew another round of criticisms from the US and allies and prompted Philippine Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro to order implementation of the "Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC)."

According to China's Defense Ministry spokesman, there is no bigger factor than the US interference in causing turbulence in the South China Sea.

"For some time, in disregard of the facts, the US provoked confrontation, backed up the Philippines, threatened and exerted pressure on China, citing the so-called bilateral treaty, and sent military vessels to the South China Sea to stir up troubles. These actions seriously undermine regional peace and stability," he said.

Wu stressed that China's attitude towards this was clear: "The US is in no position to interfere and the military cooperation between the US and the Philippines must not harm China's sovereignty and maritime rights and interests."

He emphasized that the Chinese side will not allow the Philippines to act willfully. "So, we have responded with legitimate, resolute, and restrained actions. The Philippine side should realize that provocations will only do themselves more harm than good, and soliciting foreign support will lead nowhere."

2024-03-29T01:43:49Z dg43tfdfdgfd