Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 15) — China rejected the United States’ statement in support of the Philippines regarding the recent aggression in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
The US Department of State on Sunday called out China anew after it repeatedly used water cannons against Philippine vessels which were on their way to deliver aid to Filipino fishermen near Bajo de Masinloc on Saturday.
READ: China fires water cannons at BFAR vessels on humanitarian mission in WPS
\”The PRC (People’s Republic of China) has no lawful maritime claims to the waters around Second Thomas Shoal, and Filipinos are entitled to traditional fishing rights around Scarborough Reef,\” the statement read.
The US also reaffirmed the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty that extends to armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft including those of its Coast Guard anywhere in the South China Sea.
But for Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning, the statement was “an attempt to endorse the Philippines’ infringement of Chinese sovereignty and provocation.”
She also stressed that Huangyan Dao (Scarborough Shoal) has always been part of their territory, thus accusing the Philippines of intruding its waters on Dec. 9 without permission.
“China Coast Guard took necessary measures in accordance with the law, which were professional, restrained, lawful and legitimate,” she said.
READ: PH summons Chinese envoy, files diplomatic protest over WPS incidents
The US recurrently supporting the country in the WPS dispute “blatantly embolden the Philippines’ violation of China’s sovereignty,” the Chinese official also said.
