Manila had better act responsibly and give wide berth to Washington's efforts to sabotage stability: China Daily editorial

The People's Liberation Army was obliged to respond to the provocation of the joint military patrol conducted by the Philippines and the United States on China's doorstep on Jan 3 and 4, as this was their second such military maneuver since November.

Signaling China's determination to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity and deter troublemaking in the waters, the Southern Theater Command of the PLA extended a two-day naval and air force patrol in the South China Sea into a third day on Friday.

As a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said, the US and the Philippines' muscle-flexing, provocative military activities are not conducive to upholding peace and stability in the South China Sea.

Manila has staged one farce after another in the South China Sea, seemingly at the instigation of the US, especially in the waters near China's Ren'ai Reef and Huangyan Island. These moves have only served to raise tensions with Beijing by infringing upon China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Manila has even built a new coastal station to consolidate its illegal control of China's Zhongye Island in the waters.

Viewing the Philippines as an important part of its "Indo-Pacific" strategy, the Joe Biden administration has thrown the weight of the US military behind the Philippines' strategic brinkmanship by frequently sending its own warships to the waters near the disputed islands and reefs in the South China Sea.

To fish for its own strategic gains and contain China's rise and development, Washington has deliberately turned a blind eye to the fact that the maritime disputes between China and the Philippines are purely bilateral issues.

The collusion between the US and the Philippines has worsened the regional security environment. But China has been left with no choice but to respond to the provocations. It is only natural that the PLA should act in such a decisive and timely manner by demonstrating its combat preparedness and readiness in the waters. China has repeatedly said it firmly opposes the Philippines' infringements on its territorial integrity and provocative actions with the US, and made it clear that it will take all necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity. No one should underestimate Beijing's resolution and capability to do so.

What Manila has done gravely violates international law and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. Its unilateral and irresponsible provocations pose a severe threat to peace and stability in the region as they undercut regional efforts to build lasting peace and stability in the waters.

In a dialogue on the phone between the top diplomats of China and the Philippines on Dec 20, the two sides agreed to hold a meeting of the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea at an early date and actively create favorable conditions for it. Now is time for Manila to act on that agreement and match its words with deeds.