Responding to the Philippines Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro's recent observation that China’s increasing aggression in the disputed South China Sea is now considered the greatest threat to the national security of his country, China's ministry of national defense came out with a warning.
Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the ministry, claimed that China has "indisputable sovereignty over Nanhai Zhudao (which roughly translates to South China Sea) and has sovereign rights and jurisdiction over relevant waters." He also said Chinese actions should be seen as a “global threat” as these moves could choke a key trade route for supply chains.
“The greatest external threat actually is Chinese aggression, Chinese expansionism and the attempt by China to change the international law through the use of force or acquiescence…or its attempt to reshape the world order to one that it controls,” Teodoro had said, reported AP.
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Asserting that Beijing is committed to "maintaining peace and stability in the region", Colonel Zhang said there has never been an issue with regard to freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea.
He accused the Philippines of repeatedly infringing on China's sovereignty and making provocative moves, and added that some countries outside the region are "fanning the flames and stirring up troubles."
According to Colonel Zhang, these actions have undermined the tranquility of South China Sea. "With many options in our toolkit, China stands firm in our resolve to protect our territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests," Chinamail, the official English website of the Chinese Ministry of National Defense, quoted him as saying.
He asked the Philippines to stop "risky and futile provocations" and handle any dispute through dialogue.
