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BEIJING (Reuters) – The US doesn’t have the correct to become involved in issues between China and the Philippines, the Chinese language international ministry mentioned on Thursday at a daily press briefing.
“The U.S. just isn’t get together to the South China Sea problem, it has no proper to become involved in an issue between China and the Philippines,” mentioned ministry spokesperson Mao Ning in addressing a query on the US saying it should defend the Philippines.
“The U.S. promise of defending the Philippines should not damage China’s sovereignty and maritime pursuits within the South China Sea, and it additionally should not allow and encourage the unlawful claims of the Philippines,” Mao mentioned.
U.S. President Joe Biden mentioned on Wednesday on the White Home that America’s dedication to Philippines protection stays “iron-clad,” after accusing China of performing “dangerously and unlawfully” within the South China Sea.
“Any assault on the Filipino plane, vessels, or armed forces will invoke … our Mutual Protection Treaty with the Philippines,” Biden mentioned in remarks throughout a joint assembly with Australia’s prime minister.
China and the Philippines not too long ago have had a number of high-profile skirmishes within the South China Sea, most notably in disputed waters across the Second Thomas Shoal, a part of the Spratly Islands.
Final Sunday, a Chinese language vessel collided with a Philippine boat, with Manila condemning “within the strongest diploma” the “harmful blocking manoeuvres” of the vessel.
(Reporting by Eduardo Baptista; Writing by Bernard Orr; Enhancing by Muralikumar Anantharaman and Michael Perry)
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