• China’s defense ministry warns the Philippines against “provocative” actions.
• The warning comes after an incident in the South China Sea.
• The remarks follow China’s coast guard’s actions against Philippine vessels in disputed waters.

On Sunday, China’s defense ministry cautioned the Philippines against “provocative” actions and asserted that China would safeguard its territorial sovereignty. This statement came a day after an incident occurred in the disputed waters of the South China Sea.

“We warn the Philippines to stop making any remarks that may lead to the intensification of conflicts and escalation of the situation, and stop all infringing and provocative actions,” the defense ministry said in a statement.

“If the Philippines repeatedly challenges China’s bottom line, China will continue to take firm and decisive measures to firmly safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests,” the statement continued.

The remarks followed China’s coast guard taking measures against Philippine vessels in disputed waters near the Second Thomas Shoal and Spratly Islands a day earlier, actions that the Philippines had labeled as “irresponsible and provocative.”

The Philippine task force on the South China Sea stated in a Saturday statement that the incident involved the use of water cannons against a civilian boat hired to resupply troops.

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