China says US has ‘no right’ to interfere in South China Sea

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Philippines’ Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo shake hands after a joint press conference at the Sofitel Hotel in Manila on March 19, 2024. (Photo by ELOISA LOPEZ / POOL / AFP)

Agence France-Presse

China said Tuesday the United States had “no right” to interfere in the South China Sea, after Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Washington stood by its commitments to defend the Philippines against armed attack in the disputed waterway.

“The United States is not a party to the South China Sea issue and has no right to interfere in maritime issues that are between China and the Philippines,” foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian told a regular press conference in Beijing.

Blinken is in the Philippine capital Manila—his second visit since President Ferdinand Marcos took office in 2022—as part of a brief Asia tour to reinforce US support for regional allies against China.

“Military cooperation between the US and the Philippines must not harm China’s sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea, and still less be used to provide a platform for the Philippines’ illegal claims,” Lin said in a response to a question on Blinken’s earlier comments.

“China will continue to take necessary measures to resolutely defend its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea,” he added.

Beijing claims almost the entire South China Sea—a crucial route for global trade—brushing aside competing claims from several Southeast Asian nations, including the Philippines, and an international ruling that has declared its stance baseless.

Popular

DBM releases P1.625B to boost DSWD, DPWH calamity response efforts 

By Brian Campued The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released a total of P1.625 billion to replenish the Quick Response Funds (QRFs) of...

Palace defers to Congress, judiciary on impeachment process

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos and Benjamin Pulta | Philippine News Agency Malacañang on Friday said it would allow Congress and the judiciary to exercise their...

Free cancer screening tests included in PhilHealth’s enhanced primary care package —PBBM

By Brian Campued In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s goal to provide Filipinos with better access to healthcare services, the Philippine Health Insurance...

‘First of its kind’: Cashless payments now available at MRT-3

By Brian Campued In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to improve commuter services through digitalization, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Friday...