Philippines Says China Has No Right to Object or Interfere With Its ‘Lawful’ Activities in South China Sea

A Philippine Coast Guard ship is seen surrounded by Chinese maritime militia vessels and a Chinese Coast Guard ship during a resupply mission for Filipino troops stationed at a grounded warship in the South China Sea on Oct. 4, 2023. Adrian Portugal/Reuters

MANILA—The Philippine foreign ministry said on Thursday that China has no right to object to or interfere with its lawful and routine activities in the South China Sea.

The ministry said it also “rejects and refutes” recent statements of the Chinese embassy in Manila that Beijing has indisputable sovereignty over the Spratly islands.