A Chinese newspaper issued a warning to the United States on Friday that it should stop "playing with fire" when it comes to China's affairs in the South China Sea.
As tensions between China and the Philippines grow in the South China Sea, the U.S. has made clear its alliance to the Philippines. In October, President Joe Biden reaffirmed the Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951 and pledged to respond militarily against any attack on Filipino servicemembers, including in the South China Sea.
In an interview with Japan-based news magazine Nikkei Asia Review on Thursday, Jose Manuel Romualdez, Philippine ambassador to the United States, said, "The South China Sea is the flashpoint, not Taiwan," warning that any incident in the region could escalate into a full-blown global conflict.
An editorial published by the Global Times, a nationalistic English-language tabloid published by the propaganda department of the ruling Communist Party, titled, "Philippine ambassador's comments sound like they come from US official," called Romualdez's comments on Friday "sensational" and accused him of supporting the U.S.'s interests rather than the Philippines.
South China Sea
The Global Times, whose views do not always reflect official policy in China, accused the U.S. of using the Philippines for their self-interests.
"The US' intention to stir up trouble in the South China Sea is now obvious, and the Philippines is the stick it wields to muddy the waters," the Global Times wrote.
It also warned in its editorial that although China has shown "maximum restraint" in the South China Sea, that will end if "repeatedly provoked."
"For this, the US should weigh up carefully and not get burnt by playing with fire," the Global Times wrote, adding that the Philippines should also be cautious not to become "a victim to be exploited."
Newsweek reached out to the Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs and China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs via email for comment.
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China has long claimed that most of the South China is its territory, which has been source of conflict among countries in the region and those who have interests in the region such as the U.S.
Recent events have ramped up tensions between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea. The Philippines accused China of firing water cannons and ramming into Philippine resupply vessels last weekend. China's foreign ministry said on Monday that the Philippine vessels "ignored Chinese coastguard's warnings and insisted on rushing into" waters near the Second Thomas Shoal.
Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department referred Newsweek to a press release on Sunday that said China's recent actions in the South Chia Sea are "dangerous and unlawful."
"We reaffirm that Article IV of the 1951 U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty extends to armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft—including those of its Coast Guard—anywhere in the South China Sea," the statement read, in part.
Update 12/16/23, 4:05 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with a response from the U.S. State Department.