China News Service, March 28. On the afternoon of March 28, the Ministry of National Defense held a regular press conference. Colonel Wu Qian, Director of the Information Bureau of the Ministry of National Defense and Spokesperson of the Ministry of National Defense, answered reporters’ questions.
At the meeting, a reporter asked: According to reports, US Secretary of State Blinken recently accused China of actions in the South China Sea and reiterated the US defense commitment to the Philippines. At the same time, the US accused China of actions against the Philippines in the South China Sea on the 23rd. In addition, the Philippine Defense Secretary ordered the Philippine military to launch a "comprehensive archipelago defense planning" strategy. Philippine officials accused China of repeatedly obstructing its supply operations on Second Thomas Shoal. What is the spokesperson’s comment?
In this regard, Wu Qian said that on the China-Philippines South China Sea issue, we have stated our solemn position many times, that is, we oppose external intervention, oppose violations and provocations, and advocate the proper handling of differences. At the same time, we are fully prepared to deal with emergencies and resolutely defend the own territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.
Wu Qian pointed out that US intervention is the biggest driver of turmoil in the South China Sea. For some time, the United States has ignored the facts, provoked confrontation, endorsed the Philippines' platform, repeatedly threatened and pressured China with so-called bilateral treaties, and also sent warships to the South China Sea to provoke trouble, seriously undermining regional peace and stability. China's attitude towards this is clear and unequivocal, that is, the United States has no right to intervene at all, and military cooperation between the United States and the Philippines must not damage China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.
Wu Qian said that the Philippines' provocation and troublemaking are the direct cause of the recent escalation of the South China Sea issue. The Philippines relies on the support of external forces, violates international law and the spirit of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, frequently engages in maritime violations, provocations, creates troubles, and spreads false information to mislead the international community. It can be said that it is going further and further down a dangerous road. . China will not let the Philippines do whatever it wants and has launched a reasonable, powerful and measured response. The Philippines should realize that provocation and trouble are not worth the gain, and relying on outsiders is simply unreliable.
Wu Qian emphasized that no matter the wind and waves, we should stay on the fishing boat. China has sufficient strategic determination to resolve the South China Sea issue. We are always committed to properly managing maritime differences with relevant parties through dialogue and consultation, while firmly safeguarding our territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. We have reason to believe that with the joint efforts of regional countries, the situation in the South China Sea will eventually become calm. This is an unstoppable trend of the times.