China has sent a dark message to the US over its meddling in the South China Sea

China has urged the US to avoid “provocations” and take sides in South China Sea territorial disputes. The warning came after US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said a security agreement between the US and the Philippines included attacks against the Philippine Coast Guard, escalating tensions in the region.

In a recent statement, Blinken reaffirmed the United States' commitment to the Philippines' defense, describing it as “unwavering,” and criticized China's actions in the South China Sea, accusing them of provoking an international response.

In response, the Chinese embassy in the Philippines issued a statement on Wednesday defending China's actions in the region as “legitimate and legitimate.”

The report criticized Blinken's words as “ignoring the facts and baselessly blaming China” in addition to dismissing threats related to the mutual defense agreement between the US and the Philippines, which China strongly opposes.

The Philippines and the United States have been allies under a mutual defense treaty since 1951, which provides mutual support in case of external attack.

Recently, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. requested the United States to clarify the scope of this security commitment, particularly with regard to possible armed attacks against Philippine forces, their ships, and civilian aircraft, including the Coast Guard.

Blinken noted on Tuesday that the defense agreement would apply to armed attacks against the Philippine military and its assets, reiterating US support.

China has criticized the US stance, arguing it threatens peace and stability in the South China Sea, insisting the US is not a party to the maritime dispute between China and the Philippines and therefore should not interfere in regional issues.

With information from Reuters