China annoyed with EAM Jaishankar's comment on Philippines, says 'third parties have no right....'
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Beijing, Mar 27: China criticized EAM Jaishankar's comments on India supporting the Philippines for upholding its national sovereignty. Responding to Jaishankar's comments, China said, "Third parties have no right to interfere whatsoever. Respect China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights."
This statement came after Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian was asked to respond to Jaishankar's comments in a press. "Maritime disputes are issues between the countries concerned. Third parties have no right to interfere whatsoever," he said.
"We urge relevant parties to face squarely the facts and truth on the South China Sea issue, and respect China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests and the efforts of regional countries to keep the South China Sea peaceful and stable," he added.
Notably, these remarks by China came after External Affairs Minister Jaishankar said India firmly supported the Philippines in upholding its national sovereignty as Manila and Beijing were currently involved in a raging maritime territorial dispute over the resource-rich region South China Sea. "I take this opportunity to firmly reiterate India's support to the Philippines for upholding its national sovereignty," he said. A water cannon assault by the Chinese coast guard had injured Filipino navy crew members and heavily damaged their boat in the disputed South China Sea. The Philippines summoned the Charge d' Affaires of the Chinese embassy in the country and registered strong protest over ‘aggressive actions’ by the Chinese coastguard in the South China Sea.
Also Read: India supports Philippines in upholding its national sovereignty: Jaishankar after Chinese "aggressive" actions in disputed South China Sea
Besides, Philippines President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. conveyed his appreciation to India for its prompt and resolute response in aiding Filipino crew members of a merchant vessel targeted by Houthi insurgents in the Gulf of Aden earlier this month. The swift intervention by the Indian Navy's medical team ensured the rescue and provision of essential medical attention to all crew members of MV Confidence after the vessel came under attack from a Houthi missile strike on March 6. Tragically, three crew members, among them two Filipinos, lost their lives in the incident. According to the Philippine News Agency, all surviving Filipino crew members have been safely repatriated.