The Department of National Defense (DND) on Saturday rebuked China’s accusation that the Philippines is engaging in “provocation” through its joint military exercises with allied nations, calling Beijing’s claim a “classic case of projection.”
In a statement, DND spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arsenio R. Andolong said the remarks made by China’s Ministry of National Defense “do not reflect the reality” in the West Philippine Sea and the broader South China Sea.
“The truth of the matter is that China is the real threat to regional stability. Their lies range from mislabeling legitimate actions to inventing ‘history,’” Andolong said.
He added that the Philippines “will not tolerate blackmailing by those who provoke first and then play the victim.”
“This is precisely what the Philippines is doing in reaction to China’s actions,” Andolong said.
The DND reiterated that the Philippines remains “undeterred in asserting its national interests” in the West Philippine Sea.
The statement came after Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Senior Colonel Jiang Bin urged the Philippines to “cease infringement, provocation, and propaganda,” blaming Manila for “drawing in outside forces” and “stirring up tensions” in the South China Sea.
“We urge the Philippine side to stop undermining joint efforts by regional countries in pursuing peace and development, and cease its infringement, provocation, and propaganda. Otherwise, the higher it jumps, the harder it will fall,” Jiang said.
The latest exchange of statements underscores the growing tension between Manila and Beijing following increased military cooperation between the Philippines and its defense partners, including the United States, Japan, and Australia.
The Philippines has repeatedly maintained that its activities, such as joint patrols and military exercises, are lawful and aimed at strengthening defense readiness and ensuring peace and stability in the region.
