Beijing: China on Wednesday criticized what it described as "irresponsible statements" by the United States concerning recent incidents between Chinese and Philippine ships in the South China Sea. Spokesperson of the foreign minister, Lin Jian, stated at a news conference that the Philippines initiated the violations and provocations, thus compromising regional stability.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Lin Jian responded to US officials' condemnation of China's use of water cannons against Philippine ships in the disputed maritime region. He accused Washington of ignoring facts, misrepresenting China's legitimate actions, and threatening to invoke the joint defense treaty with the Philippines. Lin claimed that the US aimed to deliberately incite confrontations and destabilize the South China Sea.
Last Monday, the US State Department announced that China's threats at sea undermine regional stability. The department highlighted that the treaty with the Philippines allows for the possibility of US forces being deployed to counter attacks on Philippine vessels.