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China says the US has no right to interfere in the South China Sea issue, after Secretary of State Blinken said Washington would stand by its commitment to defend the Philippines if it comes under armed attack in the waters.
On March 19, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that Washington maintains its commitment to defending its ally the Philippines in the event of an armed attack in the East Sea, according to AFP news agency.
"These waterways are important to the Philippines, to their security and their economy. But they are also important to the interests of the region, the United States and the world," Secretary of State Blinken said at a joint press conference with his Philippine counterpart Enrique Manalo.
“That is why we stand with the Philippines and uphold our ironclad defense commitments, including under our mutual defense treaty,” he added.
Secretary of State Blinken made the remarks while in Manila, part of a brief trip to Asia aimed at bolstering US support for its allies in the region.
At a regular press conference in Beijing on the same day, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian issued a statement in response: "The US is not a party involved in the East Sea issue and has no right to interfere in maritime issues between China and the Philippines."
"Military cooperation between the US and the Philippines must not harm China's sovereignty and maritime rights in the East Sea, and must not be used to create a foundation for the Philippines' illegal claims," Lam Kiem said when asked about US Secretary of State Blinken's comments.
"China will continue to take necessary measures to resolutely safeguard its sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea," a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said.
According to AFP, top US officials have repeatedly stated that if there is an "armed attack" on Philippine ships, aircraft, armed forces and coast guard, the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty between the US and the Philippines will be activated. Accordingly, the US will be obliged to defend its ally the Philippines.
Blinken’s statement comes amid a series of recent incidents between Chinese and Philippine vessels in the South China Sea. On March 5, a Chinese coast guard vessel collided with a Philippine coast guard vessel and fired water cannons at a Philippine supply ship as Manila was resupplying its troops at Second Thomas Shoal.
