A spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry said on Wednesday that the United States is not a party to South China Sea issues and warned the Philippines that wooing other countries to provoke confrontation will undermine regional stability.
The United States pledged funding of $500 million for the Philippines’ military and coast guard in a big show of support for Manila as it faces Chinese actions in disputed waters in the South China Sea.
“China has repeatedly stated its position that the United States is not a party to the South China Sea issue and has no right to intervene in maritime issues between the two countries,” said Lin Jian, spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry.
On Tuesday, U.S. State Secretary Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin held talks with their Philippine counterparts in which Washington pledged funding of $500 million to beef up Manila’s military and coast guard.
Security engagements between the treaty partners have increased under Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who has pivoted closer to Washington and away from his predecessor’s foreign policy stance of deepening relations with China.
The Philippines defense department has expressed interest to purchase U.S. F-16 jets, the source added.
