China says ‘US has no right to interfere in South China Sea’

BEIJING: China asserted on Tuesday that the United States had “no right” to interfere in the South China Sea. This response came after Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that Washington remained committed to defending the Philippines against armed attack in the contested waters.

“The United States is not a party to the South China Sea issue and has no right to interfere in maritime issues that are between China and the Philippines,” foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian told a regular press conference in Beijing.

Blinken’s presence in Manila marks his second visit since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assumed office in 2022. This visit is part of a brief Asia tour aimed at bolstering US support for regional allies in the face of China’s influence.

“Military cooperation between the US and the Philippines must not harm China’s sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea, and still less be used to provide a platform for the Philippines’ illegal claims,” Lin said in response to a question on Blinken’s earlier comments.

“China will continue to take necessary measures to resolutely defend its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests and uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea,” he added.

Beijing asserts nearly the entirety of the South China Sea, a vital route for global trade, disregarding conflicting claims from numerous Southeast Asian nations, including the Philippines. Moreover, an international ruling has deemed China’s stance as unfounded.