BEIJING — On Friday, China made a strong statement, accusing the Philippines of causing problems in the South China Sea with help from the United States. China’s defense spokesperson, Wu Qian, said that the Philippines had “provoked trouble” at various times in the region.
Wu also explained that the Philippines should know that its territory is clearly defined by international agreements. He emphasized that the Philippines’ territory does not include the Spratly Islands or Scarborough Shoal, which China claims.
The Spratly Islands and Scarborough Shoal are located in the South China Sea, and both China and the Philippines, along with other countries, have competing claims to these areas. China believes that these areas belong to them based on their historical claims, while the Philippines, along with other nations, argues that they should have control over some of these areas.
The statement from China also pointed out that the United States has been supporting the Philippines in this issue. China’s message implies that with the backing of the US, the Philippines is continuing to challenge China’s claims in the South China Sea.
This ongoing dispute in the South China Sea has led to tension between the countries involved, and it is part of a larger issue concerning territorial control in the region.
