China accused the Philippines of provoking trouble in the South China Sea (SCS), allegedly under the influence of the United States.
Responding to this, China announced plans to implement stronger countermeasures in the SCS.
“From Ren’ai Jiao to Xianbin Jiao and from Houteng Jiao to Huangyan Dao, such repeated provocations have allowed the international community to see clearly who is undermining peace and stability in the South China Sea and who is fabricating and spreading lies,” Wu Quan, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense, said on Friday.
Wu issued a stern warning against the Philippines following remarks by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) condemning China’s aggressive actions at Sabina Shoal and Ayungin Shoal.
The Chinese official also dismissed Philippine reports on the South China Sea, including those by journalists.
“The real issue, however, is never about who has more reporters, but who has more legitimacy,” Wu said.
“More provocations lead to stronger countermeasures. Should the Philippine side stubbornly follow the wrong path, China will never back down,” he added.