Beijing, October 15 – China has called on the Philippines to refrain from “provocations” and to stop challenging its efforts to safeguard what it claims as its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights in the South China Sea.
The statement came on Wednesday (October 15) after vessels from both countries were involved in a maritime collision near disputed islands in the region, escalating ongoing tensions between Beijing and Manila.
At a regular press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian urged the Philippines to immediately cease what he described as “infringing and provocative actions.” Lin reiterated that China remains firm in defending its sovereignty and maritime interests in the South China Sea.
The latest clash occurred near Sandy Cay, a reef within the Spratly Islands, an area long contested by multiple nations. Both China and the Philippines have traded accusations over Sunday’s confrontation, each blaming the other for the incident.
The South China Sea remains one of Asia’s most volatile flashpoints, with overlapping territorial claims involving China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei. Despite repeated calls for restraint, recent incidents suggest that tensions in the region are once again on the rise.
