Chinese state media accused the Philippines on Monday of repeatedly violating Chinese territory in the South China Sea, spreading false information, and colluding with foreign forces to stir up trouble. The People's Daily, the mouthpiece of the ruling Communist Party of China, stated in a commentary that the Philippines has relied on U.S. support to continuously provoke China with such "extremely dangerous" behavior that severely harms regional peace and stability.
The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs and the national task force dealing with the South China Sea did not immediately respond to requests for comments on the report on Christmas Day. Tensions between Beijing and Manila have escalated in recent months, with both sides exchanging accusations over a series of disputes in the South China Sea, including allegations that China bumped a ship this month carrying the chief of the Philippine Armed Forces.
China claims sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, which parts are also claimed by the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Indonesia. An international court invalidated China's claims in a ruling in a case brought by the Philippines in 2016, which Beijing has rejected. In an unusual direct warning, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated last week that any miscalculation in the dispute with the Philippines would lead to a firm response from China and called for dialogue to address "serious difficulties."
