The US condemned the “harmful actions” in opposition to “lawful Philippine maritime operations” on Monday after the most recent conflict.
“These actions are the most recent examples of (China) utilizing harmful and escalatory measures to implement its expansive and illegal South China Sea maritime claims,” State Division spokesman Vedant Patel stated.
Requested about Patel’s remarks on Tuesday, his Chinese language counterpart Mao Ning defended Beijing’s “authorized measures to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and pursuits”.
“The US shouldn’t be a celebration within the South China Sea and has no proper to intervene in maritime disputes between China and the Philippines,” Mao informed a daily briefing.
“The US ought to cease frightening confrontation within the South China Sea, not disrupt regional stability and never escalate tensions,” Mao stated.
Sabina Shoal is within the Spratly Islands, that are claimed by China, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.
Analysts have stated Beijing’s goal is to push eastwards from the Second Thomas Shoal in the direction of Sabina Shoal, encroaching on Manila’s unique financial zone and normalising Chinese language management of the world.
The confrontations have echoes of 2012 when Beijing took management of Scarborough Shoal, one other strategic function within the South China Sea closest to the Philippines.
