Philippines says China 'deliberately stirring up trouble' in South China Sea

Asia

Reuters
06 March, 2024, 03:15 pm
Last modified: 06 March, 2024, 03:20 pm
Jonathan Malaya, spokesperson for a Manila task force on South China Sea, also said China is "maliciously inciting hype" while reiterating the Philippines will not be deterred from exercising its maritime rights
A Chinese Coast Guard vessel blocks the Philippine resupply vessel Unaizah 4 May, on its way to a resupply mission at Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, 5 March 2024. REUTERS/Adrian Portugal

The Philippines on Wednesday accused China of "deliberately stirring up trouble" in the South China Sea. 

Jonathan Malaya, spokesperson for a Manila task force on South China Sea, also said China is "maliciously inciting hype" while reiterating the Philippines will not be deterred from exercising its maritime rights.

He added the waterway was wide enough for both countries to peacefully coexist.

Malaya's remarks came a day after the Philippines accused China's coast guard of harassing, blocking and firing water cannon at Manila's vessels carrying out a routine resupply mission for Filipino troops stationed at Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea.

The actions of China coast guard were "provocative," "illegal" and "unbecoming of a coast guard officer," Malaya told a press conference.

 

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South China Sea / Chinese Coast Guard / China / Philippines

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