BEIJING – China on March 6 accused the United States of using the Philippines as a “pawn” in the South China Sea, as hostilities between the two Asian nations escalate over their territorial dispute in the region.

Manila summoned a Chinese representative on March 6 after it said China Coast Guard vessels caused two collisions with Philippine boats and used water cannon against one of them during a resupply mission.

China said it “took control measures” against Philippine ships’ “illegal intrusion” into waters it claims, and accused a Philippine ship of “intentionally” ramming a Chinese one.

“China urges the US not to use the Philippines as a pawn to stir up trouble in the South China Sea,” Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told reporters when asked about Washington’s condemnation of Beijing’s actions as “provocative”.

“The Philippines should not let itself be at the mercy of the US,” she added.

China claims almost the entire South China Sea, brushing aside competing claims from a host of South-east Asian nations and an international arbitration ruling that has declared its stance baseless.

On March 6, South-east Asian and Australian leaders warned against actions that “endanger peace” in the South China Sea, following the fresh confrontations between Beijing and Manila.

“We encourage all countries to avoid any unilateral actions that endanger peace, security and stability in the region,” read a joint declaration hammered out between Asean members and Australia.

In recent months, tensions between China and an increasingly assertive Philippines have reached levels not seen for years. The collisions on March 5 came after similar incidents in December.

“China’s resolve to defend its legitimate rights and interests is unwavering, and the Philippines’ rights-infringing and provocative attempts will not succeed,” Ms Mao said on March 6. AFP