China’s Ministry of National Defense has issued a stern rebuke to the Philippines regarding its recent activities near Huangyan Island in the South China Sea, characterizing them as ‘unscrupulous political manipulation and self-directed farce.’ Defense spokesperson Jiang Bin delivered the remarks during a virtual press briefing on Tuesday, specifically addressing statements made by the Philippine Coast Guard.
The Philippine maritime authority had previously announced its ‘New Hero-Fisherfolk’ initiative, deploying vessels and aircraft to provide security for fishing operations near the disputed island, claiming the measures protect both sovereign rights and fishermen’s livelihoods.
Jiang categorically rejected these claims, asserting that ‘Huangyan Island is inherently Chinese territory and has never fallen within Philippine territorial boundaries.’ The spokesperson accused Philippine authorities of ‘deceiving and instigating innocent fishermen into conducting provocative actions,’ using them as ‘pawns to violate China’s legitimate rights’ while deliberately creating friction to ‘scapegoat and tarnish China’s reputation.’
These maneuvers, according to Jiang, demonstrate Manila’s ‘complete disregard for the safety and welfare of its own fishing communities.’ The Chinese defense official urged immediate cessation of these activities and reaffirmed China’s commitment to exercising sovereignty and jurisdiction over Huangyan Island and adjacent waters in accordance with international law, vowing to resolutely defend territorial integrity and maritime interests.