Q: Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilbert Teodoro Jr. said in an interview that China’s increasing aggression in the disputed waters is the greatest threat to the national security of the Philippines. The Philippines and its security allies will take measures to counter any attempt by China. What’s the response of the Chinese Embassy?  

A: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi answered a question about the maritime disputes between China and the Philippines yesterday at a press conference. His comment is the best response to the above-mentioned remarks. The following is the quote of Foreign Minister Wang’s comment:

At an international forum a few weeks ago, an official from a regional country noted that the frictions between China and the Philippines are like “shadow play”, which is a vivid analogy. For every move on the sea by the Philippines, there is a screenplay written by external forces, the show is livestreamed by Western media, and the plot is invariably to smear China. People are not interested in watching the same performance again and again. 

China will continue to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in accordance with law. The Philippine side should stop misleading the international community, using the South China Sea issue to instigate disputes, and counting on external forces to undermine peace and stability in the South China Sea region. Infringement and provocation will backfire and those acting as others’ chess pieces are bound to be discarded.