Ministry of National Defense: The Philippines' "reliance on foreign powers to create disturbances at sea" will only lead to self-inflicted consequences.

On the afternoon of April 9, Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense, released a statement regarding recent military-related issues.

Reporter: According to reports, the Philippine Navy claims that China may be taking advantage of the international community's focus on the Middle East conflict to escalate "harassment" activities against the Philippines in the South China Sea. The Philippine National Maritime Council stated that China has recently conducted "dangerous operations" against Philippine vessels and personnel in the South China Sea. What is your comment on this?

Zhang Xiaogang: Recently, the Philippine side has intruded into China's Huangyan Island and Nansha Islands air and sea space, deliberately trespassing into China's training area, and even dangerously approaching Chinese vessels, repeatedly infringing upon China's rights and causing disturbances, creating risks of insecurity and instability in the Asia-Pacific region. We urge the Philippine side to stop "relying on external forces to create disturbances at sea" and provoking incidents, otherwise they will only suffer the consequences and gain nothing. China’s determination to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights is unwavering, and we will continue to resolutely counter any acts of infringement and provocation.