US has no right to get involved in China-Philippine spats, Beijing says
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![CORRECTION / TOPSHOT - This video frame grab from footage taken and released on October 22, 2023 by the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) through the Chinese embassy in Manila shows a collision between a Chinese Coast Guard ship (R) and a Philippine resupply boat (L) during a resupply mission in Second Thomas Shoal, in the disputed South China Sea. Beijing and Manila traded blame on October 22, for two collisions between Chinese vessels and Philippine boats on a resupply mission to Filipino troops on a remote outpost in the disputed South China Sea. (Photo by Handout / Chinese Coast Guard / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / Chinese Coast Guard" - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS / “The erroneous mention[s] appearing in the metadata of this photo by Handout has been modified in AFP systems in the following manner: corrects release date to [October 22] instead of [October 23]. Please immediately remove the erroneous mention[s] from all your online services and delete it (them) from your servers. If you have been authorized by AFP to distribute it (them) to third parties, please ensure that the same actions are carried out by them. Failure to promptly comply with these instructions will entail liability on your part for any continued or post notification usage. Therefore we thank you very much for all your attention and prompt action. We are sorry for the inconvenience this notification may cause and remain at your disposal for any further information you may require.”](https://cassette.sphdigital.com.sg/image/straitstimes/dfcdc3e78b0cd778fa17f3d8864b105383836965d7f9e0d23aa28f957aaf2ab2?w=480)
China and the Philippines recently have had several high-profile skirmishes in the South China Sea.
PHOTO: AFP
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BEIJING – The United States does not have the right to get involved in problems between China and the Philippines, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Thursday at a regular press briefing.
“The US is not party to the South China Sea issue. It has no right to get involved in a problem between China and the Philippines,” said ministry spokesperson Mao Ning in addressing a question on the US saying it will defend the Philippines.
“The US promise of defending the Philippines must not hurt China’s sovereignty and maritime interests in the South China Sea, and it also must not enable and encourage the illegal claims of the Philippines,” Ms Mao said.
US President Joe Biden said on Wednesday at the White House that America’s commitment to Philippines defence remains “iron-clad”, after accusing China of acting “dangerously and unlawfully” in the South China Sea.
“Any attack on the Filipino aircraft, vessels or armed forces will invoke… our Mutual Defence Treaty with the Philippines,” Mr Biden said in remarks during a joint meeting with Australia’s prime minister.
China and the Philippines recently have had several high-profile skirmishes in the South China Sea, most notably in disputed waters around the Second Thomas Shoal, part of the Spratly Islands.
On Sunday, a Chinese vessel collided with a Philippine boat
