China says South China Sea should not be ‘hunting ground’ for foreign forces

May 4, 2023 - 3:50 PM
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An aerial view of Iroquois Reef, frequented by Filipino fishermen and part of the Philippine 200-mile exclusive economic zone, in the South China Sea, March 9, 2023. (Reuters/Eloisa Lopez)

 China firmly opposes any country citing bilateral treaties to interfere in the South China Sea and undermine China’s territorial interests and rights, the foreign ministry said on Thursday.

“The South China Sea is home to all regional countries, and should not be a hunting ground for external forces,” ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a regular briefing when asked about a U.S. move to reaffirm its decades-old security alliance with the Philippines.

RELATED: US stands with Philippines against Chinese ‘intimidation’ in South China Sea —official | Amid China pressure, US and Philippines recommit to security alliance

—Reporting by Beijing newsroom; Editing by Andrew Heavens