China says US has 'no right to intervene' in South China Sea disputes
China has firmly stated that the United States has "no right to intervene" in its ongoing maritime disputes in the South China Sea, following a recent clash near a contested reef involving the Philippines. The declaration was made by China's foreign ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, during a routine media briefing.
The tension between China and the Philippines has been a longstanding issue, with both nations laying claim to overlapping areas in the resource-rich South China Sea. The U.S. has often voiced support for the Philippines, advocating for the freedom of navigation in these waters, a stance that Beijing has repeatedly criticised.
In the briefing, Mao Ning emphasised China's position, asserting that the disputes are regional matters and that external powers, particularly the United States, should refrain from involvement. "The United States has no right to intervene in the maritime disputes between China and the Philippines," Mao stated.
Additionally, while addressing a separate issue concerning press freedom in Hong Kong, Mao defended the controversial national security law implemented in the city.
This comes after a poll of Hong Kong journalists indicated that press freedom had plummeted to a record low. Mao argued that the law is designed to target "criminals" rather than "law-abiding media reporters," pushing back against criticisms that the law has been used to stifle press freedom in the region.
