The Philippines has issued an order to confront "a number of serious challenges" in the field of maritime security, the presidential order came after mutual accusations by China and the Philippines over the disputed territory of the South China Sea. Meanwhile, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman criticized the Philippines for violating its obligations and provocations, UNN reports, citing China Radio International and Reuters.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered his government to strengthen maritime security coordination to confront "a series of serious challenges" to territorial integrity and peace amid an escalating dispute with China. The order, signed on Monday and made public on Sunday, does not mention China, but it follows a series of bilateral maritime confrontations and mutual accusations over the disputed South China Sea.
Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea, through which more than $3 trillion worth of maritime trade flows annually, although in 2016 the Permanent Court of Arbitration stated that China's claims have no legal basis.
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin criticized the Philippines for violating its commitments and provocations in the South China Sea.
Wang Wenbin noted that the Philippine side, which depends on the support of external forces, has violated its obligations and led to repeated provocations, which is the root cause of tensions at sea.
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On April 1, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said that the Nansha Islands, including the Renyi Jiao archipelago, are an inalienable territory of China.
The Philippines allegedly violated its obligations to China on the issue of Renai Jiao, violated the agreement reached between China and the Philippines on the proper management of the situation around Renai Jiao, as well as the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea signed by China and ASEAN countries.
Recall
U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken assured the Philippines of continued "ironclad" support from the United States amid rising tensions with China in the disputed South China Sea.