China accuses Philippines of ‘premeditated’ provocations near Sabina Shoal
Meanwhile, Manila says Philippine fishing boats were targeted by Chinese coastguard water cannons near disputed South China Sea reef
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Monday that the Philippines had assembled a large number of vessels “in an organised and premeditated manner to provoke trouble” in waters near the shoal.
Guo said Philippine vessels had “repeatedly carried out dangerous manoeuvres”, and Philippine personnel had threatened Chinese coastguard officers with knives.
“The measures taken by China were necessary to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, were reasonable and lawful, professional and restrained, and beyond reproach,” he said.
“The Philippine side should immediately cease its infringement and provocations, stop hyping and spreading inflammatory narratives, and end the endless self-staged maritime farce.”