Chinese defence ministry says China to manage differences with Philippines but patience 'limited'

Chinese defence ministry says China to manage differences with Philippines but patience 'limited'

A Chinese defence ministry spokesperson said on Thursday that China was committed to managing its differences with the Philippines in the South China Sea but that its patience is "limited".

Tensions between the two countries have risen in recent weeks following a string of clashes and incidents on air and at sea at the disputed Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea. China claims sovereignty over nearly all of the South China Sea, including areas claimed by the Philippines.

U.S. support has emboldened the Philippines in making "reckless provocations", Wu Qian, spokesperson at the Chinese defence ministry, said at a regular press conference.