China warns US not to interfere in East Sea issue

Philippine Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin (left) and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. Photo: AP

The tough statement appeared to be aimed at the US, which has been critical of China's militarization of the South China Sea, amid Beijing's pledge to expand cooperation with Manila and an escalating trade war between China and the US.

Speaking at a joint press conference with his Philippine counterpart Teodoro Locsin, Mr. Wang Yi called on the Philippines and member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to be vigilant against "external interference and obstruction."

In a clear reference to the United States, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said: "While China and the Philippines, along with other coastal countries in the South China Sea, are working together to maintain peace and cooperation in the waters, some countries outside the region are doing things that go completely against our efforts."

"They are deliberately showing off their force in this sea area. Countries in the region need to maintain high vigilance... we will not let outside forces take advantage of any opportunity," the Chinese foreign minister stressed.

There are reports that the US is likely to conduct a naval exercise in the South China Sea during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Manila in November.

Meanwhile, relations between China and the Philippines have been warming in recent years, after the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague in 2016 rejected China's claim to sovereignty over most of the South China Sea.