UK condemns China over incidents in the South China Sea against Philippines

Chinese Coast Guard ship uses water cannon against a Filipino resupply vessel

A Philippine Coast Guard ship tows a Filipino resupply vessel following damages due to water cannon from a Chinese Coast Guard ship as it was heading towards the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, in the South China Sea, December 10, 2023. Philippine Coast Guard/Handout via REUTERS

Source: X80001

Britain on Monday condemned what it called "unsafe and escalatory tactics deployed by Chinese vessels" against the Philippines over the weekend in the South China Sea.

"The UK opposes any action which raises tensions, including harassment, unsafe conduct and intimidation tactics which increase the risk of miscalculation and threaten regional peace and stability," the foreign office said in a statement.

"Both China and the Philippines must adhere to the findings of the 2016 Arbitral Award proceedings, which are legally binding on both parties, it added.

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

Explosions at Taiwan waste site injure 15, damage dozens of homes

A spokesperson at the Chinese embassy in London said Beijing firmly opposes and strongly condemns the UK's "groundless accusations", and has lodged stern representations with the British side on this.

"We urge the British side to respect China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea, stop stirring up trouble and sowing discord," the remarks posted on the embassy website said.

This article was produced by Reuters news agency. It has not been edited by Global South World.

By Reuters