Recently, the U.S. State Department issued a statement criticizing China's enforcement measures in the waters near Scarborough Shoal and Second Thomas Shoal, and threatening that the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty applies to the South China Sea. The Chinese Foreign Ministry strongly refuted this, saying that any threats and coercion were futile.
Threats from the US State Department
The U.S. State Department's threat is yet another provocation against China in the South China Sea. The United States has always taken a negative attitude towards China's sovereignty and rights in the South China Sea, and has tried to contain China's activities in the South China Sea through various means. This threat is another move by the United States to try to win over the Philippines and jointly confront China.
China's response
The response of the Chinese Foreign Ministry demonstrates China's firm determination to safeguard its sovereignty and rights and interests. China has repeatedly stated that the so-called award in the South China Sea arbitration is illegal, invalid and has no binding force. It is extremely hypocritical for the United States to refuse to enforce the judgment of the International Court of Justice and to boycott international arbitral awards on many occasions, while demanding that China enforce illegal arbitral awards.
The direction of the situation in the South China Sea
The threat from the United States will further aggravate tensions in the South China Sea. The contradictions between China and the United States over the South China Sea issue have become an important factor affecting regional peace and stability. In the future, China and the United States will continue to play a game over the South China Sea issue, and the situation in the South China Sea will remain tense.
The threat of the United States will not stop China from safeguarding its sovereignty and rights and interests. China will continue to resolutely defend its legitimate sovereignty and rights and interests in accordance with domestic and international law.