China warns Philippines to halt South China sea "provocation"

China’s foreign ministry on May 23 warned the Philippines to immediately stop what it called "infringement and provocation" in the South China Sea, threatening a "resolute response" if tensions persist.

The warning came a day after both nations traded accusations over a maritime confrontation between their vessels in contested waters. The China Coast Guard confirmed that it took "control measures" against Philippine ships and that a collision had occurred between the two sides’ vessels, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning defended the coast guard’s actions, saying that it was legitimate for China to take measures.  

The incident has drawn international concern, with US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson condemning China's actions. In a May 22 post on X, she said they "recklessly endangered lives and threaten regional stability."

When asked to respond to Carlson’s remarks, Mao said, "We advise the US side not to use the Philippines to stir up trouble in the South China Sea, and not to undermine peace and stability in the region."

Earlier this week, coast guard vessels from the Philippines and the US conducted joint maritime drills with naval and air force units in the South China Sea — the first such drills to include both countries' coast guards.

China has repeatedly accused Washington of sowing discord in the region. Beijing claims sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea, despite overlapping territorial claims by Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

In 2016, an international arbitral tribunal ruled that China’s expansive claims, based on historical maps, had no legal basis under international law — a decision Beijing has rejected.

By Sabina Mammadli