China defends water barrage

The Embassy of China in the Philippines has issued a statement following the remarks of US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson condemning Beijing’s actions in the West Philippine Sea.

Last week, Chinese vessels blasted water cannons at Philippine ships as the latter was conducting humanitarian missions to Filipino fisherfolk.

On a separate occasion, the Chinese “harassed” Filipino fishermen who were fishing in Recto Bank after the Philippine Coast Guard deployed two vessels – the BRP Teresa Magbanua and the BRP Cape Engaño in Rozul Reef.

In a social media post on X (formerly Twitter), Carlson called out the Chinese vessels for the “unlawful use of water cannons and dangerous maneuvers” during a Philippine maritime operation that put “lives at risk.”

“We condemn these actions and stand with our like-minded friends, partners, and allies in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific,” she said.

Groundless charges

In response, China said Carlson overlooked basic facts in the recent incident in the South China Sea and made “groundless accusations” against Beijing’s actions of protecting its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.

“We firmly oppose and condemn her accusation. The United States and those allies are not parties to the issue of the South China Sea and have no right to interfere in the maritime disputes between China and the Philippines,” the embassy said in a statement.

It also justified its actions, saying it was “necessary.”

“Huangyan Dao has always been China’s territory. On 4 December, ignoring multiple warnings from China, the Philippines sent Coast Guard and official vessels there in an attempt to intrude into China’s territorial sea surrounding Huangyan Dao,” it said.

China renewed its call for other countries to “earnestly respect” its “rights and interest” in the South China Sea.

“We urge these countries to earnestly respect China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea, stop sowing discord and adding fuel to the fire, and stop being troublemakers for peace and stability in the South China Sea,” it said.

Meanwhile, the Philippines has filed a diplomatic protest against China for the latest incident.