‘Watch yourself’: Beijing warns South Korea after remarks on South China Sea clashes
- Foreign ministry urges Seoul to refrain from ‘hyping the issue’ over confrontations between China and the Philippines
- Comments came after South Korea expressed ‘deep concern’ over recent confrontations at Second Thomas Shoal
Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said South Korea was not a party in the South China Sea disputes, but in recent years had “either insinuated or explicitly blamed China” over the matter several times.
“South Korea has shifted from the cautious and neutral stance it had maintained for many years,” Wang said.
China had “always made timely representations and stated opposition” to South Korea’s criticism, he said.
“I once again urge South Korea to watch yourself, refrain from following the trend of hyping the issue, and avoid adding unnecessary burdens on China-South Korea relations.”
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Lim Soo-suk, a spokesman for South Korea’s foreign ministry, said last Thursday that Seoul was “deeply concerned about the dangerous situation” and “use of water cannons against the Philippine vessels in the South China Sea”.
“We support the maintenance of peace, stability and a rules-based order in the South China Sea, as well as the freedom of navigation and overflight based on the principles of international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,” Lim said.
South Korea’s embassy in Manila also voiced concerns on its social media account.
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The Philippine coastguard accused a Chinese vessel of ramming and damaging one of its ships, and injuring four Filipino crew members with water cannons.
The Philippine ships had been sent to resupply military personnel stationed on a wrecked ship that was intentionally scuttled on the reef in 1999. Chinese ships have continuously blocked the resupply efforts, resulting in frequent confrontations.
Wang defended the Chinese intervention, saying the incident was caused by “the violation of China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests by the Philippines”.
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“The Chinese side took the necessary control measures in accordance with the law and operated professionally with restraint, reasonably and legitimately. The responsibility for the incident lies entirely with the Philippine side,” he said.
