China's defense ministry warns Philippines after South China Sea incident

Beijing vows 'decisive measures' if Manila challenges 'bottom line'

Philippine Coast Guard personnel prepare rubber fenders during an earlier confrontation with Chinese Coast Guard vessels in the South China Sea on March 5. © Reuters

March 24, 2024 12:40 JST

BEIJING (Reuters) -- China's defense ministry warned the Philippines against "provocative" actions and said China would safeguard its territorial sovereignty on Sunday, a day after an incident in disputed waters of the South China Sea.

"We warn the Philippines to stop making any remarks that may lead to the intensification of conflicts and escalation of the situation, and stop all infringing and provocative actions," the defense ministry said in a statement.