Beijing calls Washington biggest source of risk in South China Sea

China said on Wednesday that the United States is the biggest source of risks undermining regional stability, stressing that any threat or provocation in the South China Sea will never succeed, after Washington condemned Beijing for allegedly using water cannons to attack and ram Philippine vessels in the South China Sea.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian made the remarks at a regular news briefing after the US Department of State in its statement issued on Monday claimed that China's "coercive and unlawful" actions undermine regional peace and violate commitments to resolve disputes peacefully.

The US also reiterated that Article IV of the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty applies to any attack on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft in the South China Sea.

Facts and evidence clearly show that the Philippines was the provocateur that first violated China's sovereignty and created risks at sea, Lin said, adding that Manila should be held responsible for undermining regional stability.

He criticized Washington for ignoring the facts, maliciously smearing China's legitimate and lawful actions to defend its rights, and attempting to threaten China by invoking the Mutual Defense Treaty.

"This once again exposes the US intention to provoke confrontation and create chaos in the South China Sea, proving it is the biggest source of risks undermining regional stability," Lin said.

He emphasized that China firmly safeguards its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and remains committed to resolving disputes peacefully through negotiation and consultation between directly concerned parties. "Any threats or provocations are futile and will never succeed," Lin said.