China on Tuesday accused the Philippines of “provoking trouble” in the South China Sea, citing a recent visit by a US Navy ship to the disputed waters.
The Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced on Monday that the US Navy’s USS McCampbell had made a “freedom of navigation operation” (FONOP) in the South China Sea, saying it was a “clear reminder” of the importance of respecting the rights of all nations to navigate the region.
However, China’s Foreign Ministry hit back, saying that the Philippines was “hyping up” the situation and “provoking trouble” by inviting the US to the area.
“The Philippines is deliberately hyping up the situation and provoking trouble by inviting foreign warships to enter the South China Sea,” ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said.
China claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, which is also claimed in part by the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Taiwan. The Philippines has accused China of militarizing the region and harassing Filipino fishermen.
The Philippines and China have had a long-standing dispute over the South China Sea, which has escalated in recent years. The US has been increasingly involved in the dispute, with President Joe Biden’s administration sending warships and planes to the region to counter what it sees as China’s aggressive behavior.
China has been critical of the US involvement, saying it is “interfering” in the region’s affairs and encouraging other countries to do the same.
The US and the Philippines have a mutual defense treaty, and the US has been providing military aid and training to the Philippines to help it defend itself against China.
The recent visit by the USS McCampbell was the second US Navy ship to make a FONOP in the South China Sea this year, and comes as tensions between the US and China continue to rise.