Manila: Philippines has issued a warning to China of “the severest response” if the ongoing Chinese military exercises in the disputed South China Sea spill over into Philippine territory.
Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has been conducting naval exercises around Paracel Islands since July 1.
Philippine Foreign Secretary Teodaro Locsin Jr., in a video message cited by CNN on Friday said, “Should the exercises spill over to Philippine territory then China is forewarned that it will be met with the severest response, diplomatic and whatever else is appropriate,” Locsin added.
He reiterated the call for all South China Sea claimants to exercise self-restraint and adhere to international law to avoid escalating tension.
This is one of the strongest warnings given by the nation to China in recent times.
