Published: 10:50, May 24, 2025 | Updated: 11:05, May 24, 2025
China warns US against using Philippines to stir trouble in South China Sea
By Xinhua
China Coast Guard officers carry out rights-defending law enforcement activities in accordance with the law on Tiexian Jiao in the South China Sea, April 29, 2025. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

China urges the United States not to use the Philippines to stir trouble in the South China Sea, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Friday, noting that the Philippine side should immediately cease its provocations and violations on Tiexian Jiao in China's Nansha Qundao island group.

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Spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks in response to a media query about a post from the US ambassador to the Philippines on X, which was related to recent law enforcement operations of Chinese coast guard vessels against Philippine fishing boats near Tiexian Jiao.

China Coast Guard officers carry out rights-defending law enforcement activities in accordance with the law on Tiexian Jiao in the South China Sea, April 29, 2025. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

The Philippines has repeatedly dispatched personnel to land illegally on Tiexian Jiao, seriously infringing upon China's sovereignty and violating the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, Mao said, noting that China's countermeasures are legitimate and legal.

China urges the US side to stop using the Philippines to stir trouble in the South China Sea, and to cease undermining peace and tranquility there, Mao said.

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"The Philippine side should immediately cease its provocations and violations on Tiexian Jiao in China's Nansha Qundao, or China will respond resolutely," she added.