6-3-2024 (MANILA) The Philippines has leveled accusations against China, alleging deliberate provocations and escalation of tensions in the ongoing South China Sea dispute. Jonathan Malaya, the spokesperson for a Manila task force on the South China Sea, accused China of “deliberately stirring up trouble” and “maliciously inciting hype” in the contested waters.
Malaya’s remarks came a day after the Philippines accused China’s coast guard of harassing, blocking, and firing water cannons at Filipino vessels conducting a routine resupply mission for troops stationed at Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. The actions of the Chinese coast guard were described as “provocative,” “illegal,” and “unbecoming of a coast guard officer” by Malaya during a press conference.
Despite the heightened tensions, the Philippines reiterated its determination to exercise its maritime rights in the region. Malaya emphasized that the South China Sea is wide enough for both countries to peacefully coexist, suggesting that the confrontational actions by China were unnecessary.
