Beijing: China asserted on Monday that the United States should not meddle in maritime affairs involving nations in the South China Sea, responding to US criticism of Chinese actions affecting Filipino fishermen.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Chinese response came after the US State Department condemned China's alleged use of water cannons and the cutting of anchor lines of Filipino fishers in disputed waters. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun emphasized that the US is not a party to the South China Sea issue during a regular news conference in Beijing, as reported by state-run Global Times.

Guo urged Washington to cease making statements that he claimed distort facts and incite confrontation. He also called on the US to stop condoning and supporting what he termed as provocations by the Philippines in the South China Sea. Guo defended China's actions as legitimate and lawful, asserting that they were professional and restrained, and he urged the Philippines to halt its provocations and sensationalist actions.

US Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott had earlier stated that China's aggressive actions endangered Filipino livelihoods near Sabina Shoal. Pigott reaffirmed US support for its Philippine allies against what he described as China's provocative and dangerous tactics, which he claimed undermine regional stability.

In response, the Philippines announced plans to lodge a diplomatic protest over what it described as harassment and endangerment by the Chinese coast guard, according to the National Maritime Council. The council's statement, posted on the US social media platform X, emphasized the Philippines' intent to register a strong objection and demand that China cease its aggressive acts.

The Philippine Coast Guard reported that approximately 20 Filipino fishing boats were targeted by Chinese vessels using water cannons and dangerous maneuvers, resulting in injuries to at least three fishermen and significant damage to two boats, as reported by local daily Philstar.

Tensions have frequently flared between China and the Philippines, a US ally, due to competing territorial claims in the resource-rich South China Sea.