China condemns PH-US joint patrol in West PH Sea, calls it 'muscle-flexing'

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 5) — China condemned the Philippines and the United States maritime cooperative activity (MCA) in the West Philippine Sea and called it «muscle-flexing.»

In a regular briefing on Thursday, China Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said these so-called «provocative military activities» of the Philippines and the US in the South China Sea won't help resolve maritime disputes.

«We urge relevant countries to stop the irresponsible moves, and respect regional countries' effort to uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea,» he said.

Wang added that China will continue to assert and safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the region.

The second iteration of the MCA between the Philippines and the US on Wednesday faced a number of challenges, one of which was the Chinese vessels spotted sailing within the vicinity of the joint drills, with the Philippines issuing a radio challenge to question their presence.

READ: PH, US face challenges in 2nd maritime cooperative activity

According to Armed Forces of the Philippines Public Affairs Chief Xerxes Trinidad, China argued that it was also conducting patrol and drills in the South China Sea, thus the tailing of ships.

«As long as they do not interfere or do dangerous maneuvers against our vessels then we will be proceeding as planned,» Trinidad said.

He also urged China to respect the Philippines' exercise of sovereignty within its territory given that the recent joint maritime activity falls within the country's exclusive economic zone.

Trinidad said more joint maritime activities in the WPS with allies and partner countries are expected this year.

France earlier said it is open to holding maritime joint patrols in WPS amid growing tensions in the region.

French Ambassador Marie Fontanel said this can be conducted once the proposed defense pact or Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) with the Philippines is finalized.

The Department of National Defense also said multilateral patrols with the Philippines’ allied countries will materialize in 2024.

Other than France, the eyed multilateral activity will include India, Canada,