China warns Philippines against disrupting stability in South China Sea

China's Ministry of National Defense stated on Friday that it will implement resolute and effective measures to deter any actions that disrupt peace and stability in the South China Sea. Senior Colonel Chen Xi, a ministry spokesman, declared that China holds indisputable sovereignty over Huangyan Island, the Nansha Islands, Zhongye Island, Xianbin Reef, Ren'ai Reef, and their adjacent waters, asserting that Beijing exercises sovereign rights and jurisdiction over these areas.

The warning followed renewed maritime tensions after the Philippines took recent actions around Huangyan Island and Ren'ai Reef. Manila stated it would not allow China to dictate what it considers Philippine territory, and the Philippine military reported monitoring over 100 Chinese naval and coast guard vessels near Zhongye Island and Xianbin Reef in September. Chen rejected these claims, stating the features are outside the Philippines' territorial scope and defending China's maritime measures as legitimate, reasonable, professional, and standardized.

Chen further criticized the Philippines for drawing external forces into the disputes, carrying out provocative actions, and spreading false narratives. He specifically responded to remarks by Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, accusing a certain Philippine politician of pursuing selfish interests through an extreme anti-China stance to justify military expansion and seek foreign support. Chen warned that such activities harm national security, regional stability, and bilateral defense ties, while reaffirming China's ongoing commitment to protecting its territorial sovereignty and promoting regional cooperation.