The United States is not a party to the South China Sea issue, and has no right to interfere in disputes between China and the Philippines
Mao said in response to a question about the United States’ previous indication that it would defend the Philippines. According to Mao, this does not give Washington the right to violate China’s sovereignty.
US President Joe Biden said at the White House on Wednesday that the US commitment to defending the Philippines remains “very solid”, while accusing China of acting “dangerously and unlawfully” in the South China Sea.
Biden added that in the event of an attack, the White House would act in accordance with this mutual defense treaty.
Maritime incidents between the Philippines and China over control of certain areas in the South China Sea are regular. On October 22, 2023, two ships collided in the disputed areas, before a Chinese Coast Guard ship fired a water cannon at one of the Philippine supply ships.
The cover image shows a joint US-Philippine military exercise. Credit: Ezra Akayan/Getty Images
