China to US: Respect the facts - Institute for Maritime and Ocean Affairs

MANILA, Philippines – China has called on the United States to stop making “irresponsible remarks” supporting Manila’s position on the West Philippine Sea issue and denouncing Chinese vessels’ blockade of Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal.

“We urge the US to respect facts, stop making irresponsible remarks and cease to encourage the provocative and risky actions of relevant country,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei said in a press conference on Tuesday.

“It is without any doubt that the Philippine side is the one who provokes and makes troubles,” Hong said.

US State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki and US embassy Charge d’Affaires Brian Goldbeck said that China’s action on Ayungin Shoal “is a provocative move that raises tensions” in the region.

They said that “pending resolution of competing claims in the South China Sea, there should be no interference with the efforts of claimants to maintain the status quo.”