China called on the Philippines to stop operations in the disputed South China Sea regions following incidents, including the use of water cannons by the Chinese coast guard against Filipino vessels. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian urged Manila to cease “intruding” in areas Beijing claims as Chinese territory, specifically citing activities around the Second Thomas Shoal.
The Philippines lodged a protest against Beijing last week, condemning the aggressive maneuvers as harassment. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in response, stated the Philippines would avoid using offensive weapons in the region, emphasizing a desire to not escalate tensions in the crucial maritime corridor.
This region is a key passageway for over $3 trillion in ship-borne trade annually, with multiple nations including Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei also claiming parts of it. Despite a 2016 international tribunal ruling that found no legal basis for China’s expansive claims, Beijing continues to reject the decision.
Tensions were further stoked by recent joint military exercises between the United States and the Philippines, which included missile and artillery firings as a deterrent in simulated scenarios, illustrating the intensifying military alliances and regional security concerns.