China’s Foreign Ministry highlighted that the United States should not interfere in issues between China and the Philippines, Asian Media reported.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry issued the statement to refute the US defence secretary’s remarks that the US would support the Philippines in defending its sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea.
“The U.S. is not party to the South China Sea issue. It should not get involved in a problem between China and the Philippines,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a regular press briefing.
Earlier, China blamed the Philippines’ actions for the recent increase in tensions between the two sides in the hotly contested South China Sea.
The recent incident occurred near Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands during another Philippine mission to resupply Filipino troops stationed on the stranded BRP Sierra Madre warship.
